Supreme Court’s 2007 Decision re: PUC vs BEL overturned

Court of Appeal Overturns Supreme Court’s 2007 Decision Relating to PUC’s Authority to Order BEL to Enter into Contracts

Today, on the re-hearing of Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) appeal against a decision by Justice Arana in 2007, the Court of Appeal accepted BEL’s arguments, overturned the Supreme Court’s decision and awarded cost to BEL.

In the 2007 decision, Justice Arana asserted the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) authority to order BEL to enter into contracts and to dictate the terms of those contracts. The appeal case was heard today by Justices of the Court of Appeal Sosa, Carey and Alleyne.

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Anti Bullying Campaign presentation at (ACES) Ambergris Caye Elementary School

One definition of school bullying describes it as a type of bullying that occurs in connection with education, either inside or outside of school. Whether physical, verbal or emotional, school bullying is repetitive. It sometimes consists of a group of students taking advantage of or isolating one student in particular and gaining the loyalty of bystanders who want to avoid becoming the next victim. These bullies taunt and tease their target before physically bullying them. Targets of bullying in schools are often the pupils that are considered strange or different by their peers to begin with, making the situation harder for them to deal with.

At the invitation of Diane Lawrence of Quicksilver, Ms. Elizabeth Hamill, teaching assistant in the school district of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was at ACES facilitating an anti-bullying campaign workshop. Look for this week's paper or visit our website for more information.

Following the presentation, the children engaged in a fun filled activity of creating tie-dye T-Shirts.

Guatemala first lady seeks divorce to succeed president

GUATEMALA CITY – A court official says Guatemala's first lady is ending her eight-year marriage so she can seek to succeed her husband as president.
Guatemala's constitution prohibits members of a president's extended family from running for the presidency.
Judiciary spokesman Edwin Escobar says divorce proceedings began Monday between Sandra Torres de Colom and President Alvaro Colom, who cannot run for re-election.

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San Pedro RC School Mundialito

The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) embarked on a project to acquire and implement a new system of teaching; moving away from the chalk board, which has proven hazardous to some students in terms of allergies; to a white board system. In order for this project to become a reality, funding is needed – funding that is not readily available to the SPRCS. Teachers have found a way to raise funds: A Mundialito Tournament. Students get to play sports, while benefitting from discipline and lessons learned on the field.

One of the organizers of SPRCS Mundialito Tournament, Mr. Kenny spoke to The San Pedro Sun; “On the weekends, a lot of time our students don’t really have lots of constructive things to do. The Mundialito will serve to encourage sportsmanship, healthy habits – exercise and pretty much keep the children off the streets, while raising some funds for our white board project.”

Students from all classes are divided into four divisions. Students from Infant 1 and 2 competed in (Div 1), Standards 1 & 2 (Div 2); Std. 3 & 4 (Div 3); and Standards 5 & 6 (Div 4). Each division comprises of three to four teams competing. Each team represents a different country. Countries being represented include Belize, Brazil, Netherlands, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, countries from the Caribbean, Europe, United States, England and Norway to mention a few.

A special ceremony was held, similar to World Cup opening ceremonies, and parents, guardians and friends came out in droves to show their support for the children. Games will continue throughout the school year, so be sure to swing by and show your support as well!!

Brazil Ambassador Presents Credentials

Press Release - Belmopan - March 21, 2011 - The Ambassador of Brazil, His Excellency Tomas Mauricio Guggenheim today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, at Belize House in Belmopan.
Mr. Guggenheim said that this step is necessary to strengthen the links of friendship that already existed between the two countries and that Brazil and Belize share important values that make up modern civilization such as firm adherence to democracy and human rights, good governance and commitment to a sustainable development.
"It is a great honour for me to present to your Excellency the Letters of Credence from the President of the Federation Republic of Brazil, Dilma Roussef, accrediting me as the Second Ambassador of the Federation Republic of Brazil to Belize", said Mr. Guggenheim.
He concluded assuring the Governor-General that he would always convey the message to help identify and promote initiatives of cooperation and solidarity for the continual strengthening of both Countries.
The Ambassador paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow and also on Minister Wilfred Elrington in their Belmopan offices.