THE STATE OF THE UNION 2012: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Last night, President Obama delivered a powerful message to the American people calling on them to join the fight to reinforce the middle class and move America forward.

Mr. Obama focused largely on domestic policy in a speech that sets the stage for November’s presidential election. And the only sign of bipartisanship was in the legislation on transportation, which both parties see eye to eye on.

“So much of America needs to be rebuilt,” the president said. “We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges,” citing the Golden Gate Bridge, and Hoover Dam as Depression-era examples of a nation that invested in its infrastructure during hard times.  He also said that massive repairs are needed on the vast interstate highway, built after World War II.

He again promised an executive order to cut red tape that encumbers the start of public construction projects, a direct swipe at the GOP.

“But you need to fund these projects,” Obama said. “There’s never been a better time to build, especially since the construction industry was one of the hardest-hit when the housing bubble burst.”

Obama briefly discussed the uprisings that have swept the Arab world in the past year but provided no new news.

“How this incredible transformation will end remains uncertain. But we have a huge stake in the outcome. And while it is ultimately up to the people of the region to decide their fate, we will advocate for those values that have served our own country so well. We will stand against violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings – men and women; Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” Obama said.

Obama took credit for uniting the international community in opposition to the Iranian nuclear program.

President Obama said he would take no options off the table to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons but added that a peaceful resolution of the crisis was still possible.

“The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent.

“Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal. But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still possible, and far better, and if Iran changes course and meets its obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations.”

Mr. Obama only briefly mentioned Israel in his address and did not talk about the Palestinians.

“Our iron-clad commitment, and I mean iron clad, to Israel’s security has meant the closest military cooperation between our two countries in history,” he said.

BURNS AVENUE IN SAN IGNACIO BECOMES NEW TENOCHTITLAN

"The biggest surprise of the day was when chief Belize Maya archaeologist, Dr. Jaime Awe, showed up to declare that the vessel fragments found thus far were of the Late Preclassic Period, which is about 2000 + more years before Flayvas and Mayawalk were even conceived. And we were glad to know this, as unfortunately to myself and Ms. Gibbs, Dr. Jim Aimers was not around to quickly classify each piece. Ahh Jimmy, we miss you. Dr. Awe, straight from the aiport and quite possible a long flight, came straight to the site, looker as eager as can be just to be witnessing the events unfolding on Burns Avenue, an actual archaeological dig. What can be said except trowels must run in his blood and line levels in his dreams."

Antonio Beardall

Source continue here:http://instituteofarchaeologynich.blogspot.com/2012/01/who-says-we-get-day-off-burns-avenus.html 

A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES

A friend of mine sent me an article from The Washington Times, an ultra-right wing newspaper, and the writer,  Richard Rahn, called "A tale of two small countries", making a comparison between Belize and Cayman. Usually I wouldn't even bother to read a paper like the Washington Times, but this article grabbed my attention. The more I read it, the more I agreed with most of what the writer had to say, especially about the judicial system in Belize. I have written blogs before calling for an overhaul of the courts, to change the way they operate, take politics out of justice, and have a program that really gives witnesses protection  from the criminals that get away with murder every day

I read Friday's news online, and two articles in particular illustrate the impotence of the judicial system. A man in San Pedro was charged with fondling a 5 year old that his wife was babysitting and was granted bail for the paltry sum of $500. The mothers' story was so heartbreaking and altho' you can't convict this pervert without a trial, the accounts of what he did demand that he should have been bonded over for a much higher price, one that he could never find the cash to pay and walk among the innocents. Sexual predators are treated like VIP's in Belize. The second article was about three men that were charged with murder and let go because the witness recanted her testimony. It is obvious that the woman was terrified and feared for her life. This sort of thing happens much too often, and so the brazen murder and mayhem continues unabated, without fear of punishment. This is totally unacceptable. What happened to witness protection?

This is the fault of both political parties. When will it dawn on them that we are now part of a global community, and that what happens in Belize doesn't stay in Belize anymore? The whole world is watching, and when there seems to be a breakdown in one of the most important branches of a civilized society, you will get articles like "A tale of two small countries".

I am not going to get into all this writer had to say about the corruption and poor governance, because I don't think that he spent enough time or knows enough about the Belizean psyche to come to those conclusions. What he is dead right on tho', is about an inept and corrupt judicial system. You have a better chance of getting away with attempted murder, murder, and rape or child molestation than stealing a loaf of bread. Stealing food to feed your family is much more dangerous than all the other crimes put together, and you will be dealt with severely. Give me a break!

There really needs to be an overhaul of this branch of government. As I said before, it should be free of politics. Both parties and the Bar Assoc. and laymen should get together, correct and change these ridiculous loopholes that criminals jump thru with acrobatic agility. Hopefully the article will be a wakeup call of our elected officials.

Commentary by pele

This blog is not responsible for the views expressed in the commentary segment; all views expressed are the responsibility of the commentator, not the owner of this blog.

PRINCE HARRY SET TO VISIT BELIZE-BAHAMAS-BRAZIL-JAMAICA

Prince Harry will visit Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica on behalf of The Queen as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations from 2nd March to 8th March. In addition, Prince Harry will visit Brazil in support of the United Kingdom Government and his charities from 9th to 11th March.

The visit, organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is designed to enhance the partnership between the United Kingdom and Brazil. 

Prince Harry will visit: 

Belize (including the Belize and Cayo Districts) from 2nd – 3rd March. 

The Bahamas (New Providence Island) from 3rd – 5th March

Jamaica (Kingston and northern Jamaica) from 5th – 8th March

Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and the State of Sao  Paolo) from 9th – 11th March.

The complete official itinerary will be announced in due course. Prince Harry has never before visited Belize, The Bahamas, Jamaica or Brazil in either an official or private capacity. The Diamond Jubilee tour to Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica is the first Royal tour during which Prince Harry has represented The Queen.

Prince Harry will visit Brazil in support of the United Kingdom’s interests in the region, as well as in support of his charities. Following the official visit to Brazil, Prince Harry will stay on privately in Brazil until 14th March.



Government Press Release

BELIZE AND CAYMAN: THE TALE OF TWO SMALL COUNTRIES

Cayman is rich, and Belize  is poor. Why? Both are small Caribbean countries with the same climate and roughly the same mixed racial heritage, and both were English-speaking British colonies. Belize  (the former British Honduras ) received its independence in 1981, while Cayman is still not fully independent but is self-governing at the local level, with its own currency, laws and regulations.

Belize  should be richer: It has a larger population than Cayman (345,000 as contrasted with Cayman’s 54,000). Belize  has a much larger and more varied land area with many more natural resources, including gas and oil, and some rich agricultural land that Cayman lacks. Both have nice beaches, but Belize  has the second-largest barrier reef in the world after Australia  and also has Mayan ruins. Yet Cayman, with fewer points of interests, has done more to attract tourists.

Back in the early 1970s, Cayman was as poor on a per capita basis as is Belize  today. Both countries had ambitions to be tourist and financial centers. Cayman succeeded and has about six times the real per capita income of Belize . What did Cayman do right and Belize do wrong?

Perhaps most important is that Cayman had and maintained a competent and honest judicial system, which gave foreign investors confidence that their property would be protected. Cayman also has a very low crime rate. Tourists and other visitors walk around freely day or night in Cayman without fear. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for many parts of Belize , where crime is often a problem. In addition, many judges in Belize are poorly trained, incompetent and, in some cases, corrupt. These issues cause foreign investors to consider higher-risk factors for projects in Belize  as contrasted with Cayman.

Belize  has a more investor-friendly tax system than the United States, but Cayman has no corporate or individual income taxes on noncitizens and citizens alike – advantage Cayman. The problem for Belize  is that it is competing with the likes of Cayman, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands, but not the United States. Also, the regulatory environment in Cayman is largely free of corruption, which is not true in Belize .

The latest Index of Economic Freedom ranks Belize  as the 77th most economically free country in the world (out of 179). If Cayman were large enough to be ranked, it almost certainly would be in the top 10. There is a very high correlation between economic freedom and per capita income. Any country can decide to become more free. Belize  ranks a miserable 93 out of 183 countries ranked by the World Bank’s DoingBusiness project.


It is obvious why Cayman is rich and Belize  is poor, and it comes down to one word: governance. If Belize  would clean up its courts, fully protect property rights and adopt the best economic practices of its competitors, it could quickly become rich. For instance, it takes an average of 44 days to get all of the required permits to open a new business. In some countries, such as Estonia, Singapore and even the Commonwealth of Virginia in the U.S., the required paperwork to open a business can be done online. Thus, days have been reduced to just a few hours.


There is no reason any country has to remain poor. Countries are not poor because of climate, lack of natural resources or race. Countries as locationally varied as Singapore, Mauritius, Korea, Chile, Estonia and Cayman have become relatively rich over the past few decades. Those countries that are still relatively poor are poor because they have not put in place the necessary institutions, political structures and policies.


The United States and a number of other wealthy nations are becoming less free and thus, not surprisingly, are growing more slowly.

Belize  could become rich and the U.S. and Cayman could become poor. It all depends on whether the political entities elect wise and courageous leaders.


Richard W. Rahn is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and chairman of the Institute for Global Economic Growth.

Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/16/tale-of-two-small-countries/

CONSULATE OF BELIZE RECEPTION IN HONOR OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

The Consulate of Belize in Los Angeles, California sponsored a reception celebrating the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, January 14, 2012. The Consul General, the Hon. Roland Yorke hosted the ceremony and the guest speaker was Mr. Robert Farrell (L.A. City Councilor, and Songstress Wendy Barnes Farrell, wife of Councilor Farrell, was also featured.

Songstress Wendy Barnes Farrell 

    The Consul General welcomed his guests and introduced the songstress, who sang a moving and mellow version of the old civil rights song: “People Get Ready The Train Is Coming” just before her husband was called upon to address the overcrowded audience, and a second such civil rights favorite - “Swing Low,” just following her husband’s moving and somber speech.

    

City Councilor Farrell, who is a regular at Belizean functions, humbly told of his personal experiences in the Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. King. He praised the unparalleled contribution by Dr. King in changing the mind-set of people all over the world in a positive way, especially here in America where black men and women had suffered so much in every-which-way at a time when there was systemic discrimination, intolerance and criminalization of the black race, particularly young black males. He noted how blessed we were to have had Dr. King as our leader until he was assassinated at the young age of 39, and said that he had done so much to change the world in just 13 years. If it was not for the civil rights struggle, he said, the 99% movement we see today would not have been possible.

     

On a more personal note, Councilor Farrell said that after he was freed from jail for his role in the Civil Rights Protests, he dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to look for a job. Like most black males who have served prison time, he said that he was unemployable both in the private and public sector and his only recourse was to go into politics with his civil rights credentials. He urged Belizeans to get involved in community activities so as to help to preserve these precious rights that Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement have fought so hard for with such great sacrifices.

   

Following his address, the Farrells posed for random group pictures with Belizeans in a friendly and down-home manner. Selected Belizeans from all age groups lined up to read quotes attributed to Dr. King that lined the walls on the Consulate Public area. Belizeans were also updated on the Belize First Lady’s cancer struggle and asked to sign a “get well soon card” to be sent to the First Lady who had just returned to Miami, Florida for further medical treatment. The Honorary Vice Consul, Miss Linda Lewis, who heads the Consulate’s Medical Initiative and the head of the Education Program for Belizeans were called upon to address the audience on their respective projects.

Also present at the event was Dr. Cadrin E. Gill, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., the Honorary Consul of the Consulate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Dr. Gill is also a friend of Belize and visited on several occasions. He sang his quote of Dr. King, before reciting it at the reception.

Dr. Cadrin E. Gill, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., the Honorary Consul of the Consulate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

By Winfield Tillett

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING

☆´ ★•.✶* ☆´¸★Happy Birthday, Dr. King☆´ ★•.✶* ☆´¸★*

“As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation -- either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.”

“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

― Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

PRIME MINISTER BARROW TRAVELS TO MIAMI

Belmopan, 13th January, 2012 - Prime Minister, the Hon. Dean Barrow, will leave the country tomorrow, Saturday, 14th January. He is accompanying his wife, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, to Miami, Florida, USA, where Mrs. Barrow will receive medical treatment.


Prime Minister Barrow is scheduled to return home on Friday, 20th January. Minister of Defence and Immigration, Hon. Carlos Perdomo, will act as Prime Minister from the Prime Minister’s departure until the return to the country on Sunday, 15th January, of Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaspar Vega. The Deputy Prime Minister will then act as Prime Minister until Prime Minister Barrow returns to Belize.


Deputy Prime Minister Vega will be in Guatemala City 13th – 15th January to attend the inauguration ceremony of H.E., Otto Perez Molina, as President of Guatemala, on Saturday, 14th January.


(END)
Office of the Prime Minister
Belmopan, Cayo District