Take a look at the html file for the bisrel file..It was definitely altered. Notice that the legitimate posts have dates and the fakes ones do not...**indicates fake post and *indicates good post.
Sites can be easily accesed and edited. I have a web server on my computer and I am attempting to edit the page...
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<p ALIGN="center"><blink>PRESS RELEASE</blink><br>
The Belize Information Service</p>
</big>
<hr>
**<p>It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Housing that a certain
foreign company by the name of `PAN AMERICAN BAN CORPORATION' is advertising on
the internet that it is in the process of conducting mortgage banking in Belize through
its wholly-owned subsidiary "Affordable Housing Group Ltd". </p>
<p>A press release from the company further states that it has already received some six
thousand mortgage applications from Belizean citizens and that the Government of Belize
has guaranteed these mortgages. </p>
<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs and Housing wishes to inform the public that the
Government of Belize is in no way associated with this company nor has it given the
company any mortgage guarantees. While the Government of Belize welcomes foreign
investment, it will give its official approval to an investment project only after it has
satisfied itself of the viability and genuineness of the project. </p>
<p>The Ministry is not aware of any mortgage applications being processed by this company
nor of any licence having been issued to the company by the Central Bank of Belize to
conduct mortgage banking. </p>
<p>Members of the public are therefore advised to exercise due prudence and diligence
before making any investment with this company. </p>
<hr>
<hr>
*p>Belmopan, 16th July, 1998. -(BIS)- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has replied to
a publicly aired allegation made by the Honourable Said Musa, Leader of the Opposition,
that recently approved Nationality applications had not been subject to proper procedure
by the Immigration and Nationality Department. </p>
<p>In responding, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that nationality approvals occur
only when applicants meet the eligibility requirements for Belizean Citizenship as
prescribed by the Belizean Nationality Act. Those applications which do not meet the
eligibility requirements or which are not properly completed are not accepted for
processing. </p>
<p>The Ministry goes on to refute a related allegation that four thousand applications had
been approved without proper processing. </p>
<p>The Ministry clarifies that a total of one thousand four hundred and seven Nationality
applications have been approved to date since January of this year and that the figure of
four thousand quoted by the Leader of the Opposition is incorrect. </p>
<p>The allegations are therefore erroneous and misleading. </p>
<p>(ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
*p>Belmopan, 15th July, 1998. -(BIS)- Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel, will
depart for the City of San Salvador, El Salvador, on Thursday, July 16th to meet with the
Presidents of M‚xico and Central America. </p>
<p>The Prime Minister will head a delegation comprised of Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dean
Barrow; Belize's Ambassador to El Salvador and Central America, His Excellency Mr. Mike
Mena and other government officials. </p>
<p>Prime Minister Esquivel, along with the Presidents of M‚xico, Guatemala, Honduras, El
Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica will meet on Friday, 17th July to consolidate and
strengthen the mechanism of Dialogue and Co- ordination of Tuxtla which represents the
basis to increase relationship and bring political closeness such as co-operation between
a Community of nations identified with a historical yesterday, a common today and a shared
tomorrow. </p>
<p>This gathering of leaders is designed to further enhance the strengthening of the
integration of Central America. It also aims at further strengthening the ties of
friendship, political dialogue, economic and commercial relations and co-operation. </p>
<p>Deputy Prime Minister Barrow leaves the country today for the Foreign Affairs Ministers
meeting which takes place tomorrow Thursday July 16th. </p>
<p>During the Prime Minister's absence the Hon. Elodio Arag¢n will act as Prime Minister,
the Hon. Eduardo Juan will act as Foreign Affairs Minister and the Hon. Wilfred Elrington
will act as Attorney General. </p>
<p>ENDS </p>
<hr>
<hr>
*p>BELMOPAN, 8 July, 1998. -(BIS)- The Ministry of Health advises the public in general
and especially the residents in the Cayo District, that the Cholera Bacteria has been
found in the Mopan and Roaring Rivers in Cayo. </p>
<p>Other rivers can become contaminated if necessary measures are not taken. </p>
<p>The Ministry of Health appeals to the public, especially those living in the areas of
greater risk, to take the following preventive measures: </p>
<p>- boil or treat your water before drinking it or using it to prepare foods and drinks <br>
- drink only liquids made from treated water <br>
- make sure foods are prepared properly before eating them <br>
- wash hands before cooking, eating, after using the bathroom or latrine, and after
handling faeces <br>
- store food safely <br>
- avoid eating raw foods, e.g. conch, ceviche <br>
- wash uncooked foods, e.g. vegetables with treated water <br>
- dispose of waste properly; use a latrine or bathroom, and burn or bury your garbage
regularly or bag it properly for the truck to pick-up <br>
- eat in a screened or clean area <br>
- use insecticides, e.g. insect spray which will destroy the insects such as houseflies
which can contribute to food contamination </p>
<p>Cholera is a dangerous but preventable active bacterial disease which can be contracted
by drinking water and other liquids contaminated with fecal matter (stool) containing the
Cholera bacteria, or by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. </p>
<p>If you or any member of your family should develop uncontrollable diarrhoea please
report to the nearest Health Post, Health Centre or Hospital immediately. </p>
<p>(ends) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
*p>Belmopan, July 7th, 1998. -(BIS)- Fire victim, Ms. Ilona Moore, a single mother of 12
children and resident of Ladyville will be presented with a house tomorrow, July 8th,
1998. </p>
<p>The new house was built with the immediate support of the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon.
Manuel Esquivel. </p>
<p>Handing over the house will be UDP Representative for the Belize Rural Central
Constituency, Mr. Lousi Sylvestre. </p>
<p>Ms. Moore's home was destroyed by fire approximately three weeks ago. </p>
<p>(ends) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
*p>Belmopan, July 7th, 1998. -(BIS)- During the Nineteenth Meeting of the Conference of
Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held from June 30-July 4 in Castries, St.
Lucia, great progress was made in the move towards the establishment of the Single Market
and Economy by the signing of Protocols Amending the Treaty of Chaguaramas. </p>
<p>The Heads of Government, including Belize's Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Manuel
Esquivel, signed Protocols three and five which relate to Industrial Policy and
Agricultural Policy. It is expected that protocol four which relates to Trade Policy will
be ready to be signed at the Tenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference scheduled for
March, 1999. </p>
<p>Topics discussed included the issue of Bananas. The Heads of Government were notified
of the recently approved reforms of the European Union's Banana Regime and noted that
whilst some of the benefits enjoyed by banana suppliers will be lost, the new regime will
safeguard Caribbean access to the market and provide much needed long term security and
stability to the region. </p>
<p>The Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel presented a report on the
Belize/Guatemala relations. The Heads of Government shared concerns expressed by Belize at
the recent initiatives by Guatemala in Caribbean capitals to press for an arbitrated
settlement of its claim and took note of Belize's rejection of this move. CARICOM
reiterated its support of Belize's insistence that any agreement between the two countries
must recognize Belize's existing borders. </p>
<p>The CARICOM Heads of Government discussed the situation in Guyana utilizing the meeting
to initiate a dialogue between the leaders of Guyana's two main political parties. Also
discussed was the situation in Montserrat and views with the Presidents of South Africa
and Venezuela were exchanged. </p>
<p>The Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel returned home on Monday, July
6th, 1998. </p>
<p>(ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p ALIGN="center">Graduate Opportunity in Geophysics</p>
<p>Belmopan, 8th July, 1998. -(BIS)- The Department of Geological Sciences at Indiana
University announced a new Graduate research assistantship in geophysics, available
beginning in the fall Semester of 1998 or spring of 1999. </p>
<p>The focus of study is in GPS geodynamics, and particularly methods for quantitative
estimation of rheology and deformation of the lithosphere from geophysical data. </p>
<p>Students with strong backgrounds in earth science, physics, and mathematics are
encouraged to apply. For further information on the geophysics programme and Graduate
student opportunities, contact: </p>
<p>Dr. Michael Hamburger <br>
Associate Professor of Geophysics <br>
department of Geological Sciences <br>
Indiana University <br>
Bloomington, IN 47405 <br>
U.S.A. <br>
E-mail: hamburg@indiana.edu </p>
<p>Dr. Anthony Lowry <br>
Research Associate <br>
Department of Geological Sciences <br>
Indiana University <br>
Bloomington, IN 47405 U.S.A. <br>
E-mail: arlowry@geology.indiana.edu </p>
<hr>
<hr>
*p>BELMOPAN, JULY 1, 1998 </p>
<p>Mr. Justice Manuel Sosa of the Supreme Court has struck out an application for judicial
review filed by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Said Musa, against Harry Lui and
William Tillett who were appointed by the Prime Minister as a Commission of Inquiry in
March this year. </p>
<p>Under its terms of reference, the Commission of Inquiry is required to enquire into
certain allegations of irregularities in the handling of large sums of money and disregard
of rules and regulations which surfaced in the Auditor General's Report on the
Economic Citizenship Programme during the term of the last PUP administration from
September 1989 to June, 1993. </p>
<p>In his application to the Supreme Court, Mr. Musa claimed that the appointment of the
Commission of Inquiry was illegal and further that the proceedings of the Commission were
being conducted unfairly and against the rules of natural justice. At the last sitting of
the Commission held at Belmopan on Wednesday, 24 June, Mr. Musa had refused to testify on
the grounds, among others, that full disclosure of all documents in the possession of the
Commission must first be made to him. </p>
<p>In a considered judgment delivered yesterday, Justice Sosa upheld a preliminary
objection taken by the Solicitor General Gian Gandhi who appeared for the Commission, that
the action against the Commissioners Harry Lui and William Tillett was commenced in
violation of the Belize Constitution which mandates that all civil proceedings against the
State shall be taken in the name of the Attorney General. Justice Sosa said that the
appointment of a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act was an
`act of State' and that the Attorney General was the proper party to be
proceeded against. However, he refused an application made by Attorneys Fred Lumor and
Lisa Shoman who appeared for Mr. Musa to amend the application to join the Attorney
General as a party to the proceedings at this stage. Justice Sosa said that to allow the
amendment would transform the original application which was only against Harry Lui and
William Tillett into a new application of a different character which was not permissible
under the rules. He therefore ruled that the application for judicial review in its
present form could not stand and must be struck out. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Commission of Inquiry is continuing its work unhindered. </p>
<p>ENDS </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>BELMOPAN, 1 July, 1998. -(BIS)- Opening ceremonies for the fifth Student Self-Aid
Programme were held this morning at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk Town. </p>
<p>This year's programme is being funded by the Government of Belize through the Social
Investment Fund (SIF) in collaboration with the Social Security Board and the business
community of Orange Walk Town at an approximate cost of $44,000. </p>
<p>Over 100 students who are attending high schools and sixth form institutions have
already registered for the three-week long programme that will include clean-up campaigns,
seminars, and an educational field trip within the country. </p>
<p>Today's events also included group formations, election of group officers, and
supervisors. </p>
<p>Guest Speaker at the opening ceremony was the Hon. Ruben Campos, Minister of National
Co-ordination and Mobilization. In an interview with BIS, he mentioned that one of the
highlights of this year's programme is the participation of students from the urban
areas. </p>
<p>"Through this programme we are trying to instill values of respect, dignity, pride
and self-esteem. We want to show these students that they form a very important component
of our society, that they are important to the Government and that by putting meaningful
effort and work they can grow up to be meaningful and constructive citizens of our
country," said Minister Campos. </p>
<p>The programme was established, five years ago with the objective of removing the
students from illicit activities such as gang and drugs and provide them instead with
something constructive to do during the summer vacations. </p>
<p>(ends) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Belmopan, 29th June, 1998. -(BIS)- Opening ceremonies were held today at the Belmopan
Hotel for a week-long National Consultation. </p>
<p>The Consultation aims to develop a Draft Plan of Action towards Poverty Elimination to
be submitted to Cabinet in July of this year. </p>
<p>In a keynote address officially opening the Consultation, Mrs. Faith Babb, Minister of
State in the Ministry of Human Resources, said that once endorsed by Cabinet, the National
Poverty Elimination Strategy and Action Plan will then be used by the Government of Belize
as a resource document in the decision regarding the mobilization and allocation of funds
for poverty elimination. </p>
<p>Other speakers at the opening ceremonies today included Miss Nancy Namis, Chairperson
of the National Human Development Advisory Committee, (NHDAC); Miss Sonia Cuales, of the
UNECLAC and Mr. John Harrison, Representative of the Caribbean Development Bank which is
co-funding the Project. </p>
<p>The task of the National Human Development Advisory Committee is to oversee the
preparation of the National Poverty Elimination Strategy and Action Plan (NPESAP) to
address poverty in the medium and long term. This strategy is to be developed within the
framework of the National Development Strategy and will translate the goals in the area of
poverty reduction into projects and programmes. </p>
<p>This week's National Consultation culminates a series of local consultations held in
all districts aimed at producing individual district plans of action for poverty
elimination. </p>
<p>The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Development
Bank are providing technical assistance for this workshop and for the production of the
strategy. Funding for the entire process is being provided by the Government of the United
Kingdom, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Organization of American States. (ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Prime Minister Esquivel attends 19th CARICOM Summit</p>
<p>Belmopan, June 29, l998 (B.I.S.) - The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel,
leaves the country today for St. Lucia where he will attend the 19th CARICOM Heads of
Government Conference being held from June 30 to July 4. </p>
<p>The conference, which coincides with the Caribbean Community's 25th Anniversary, will
focus on a number protocols amending the Treaty of Chaguaramas to move the region closer
towards the realization of a single Market and Economy. It is expected that the protocols
will be signed by the CARICOM Heads of Government during the conference. </p>
<p>A highlight of the conference will be the participation of the President of the
Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela, who is expected to be present
for the final two days during which he will address the Heads of Government. </p>
<p>The importance of South Africa's growing relations with the Caribbean Community will be
emphasized by the President's visit. </p>
<p>Caribbean Community exports to South Africa showed a strong increase to reach
approximately U.S. $24 million in l997 while South African exports to the Caribbean in
l997 were just over U.S. $80 million. </p>
<p>Prime Minister Esquivel is being accompanied by Mr. Fred Garcia, Executive Officer in
the Prime Minister's Office and Mr. Rodney Neal, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Trade & Industry. </p>
<p>During Prime Minister Esquivel's absence, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dean Barrow, is acting as Prime Minister. (ENDS)</p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Belmopan, 26th June, 1998. -(BIS)- The Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Tourism
and the Environment, will today hold inaugural ceremonies to mark the opening of its
curatorial building in Belmopan. </p>
<p>This building will primarily serve as a storage area for the national and cultural
heritage of Belize that is, artifacts of historical value and interest. It will store
relics, archaeological pieces, and other items that record or bear witness to the rich,
ancient heritage of Belize. </p>
<p>According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment,
Dr. Victor Gonzalez, the building was necessary to provide improved security for our
national treasures. Furthermore, the work of the Department of Archaeology will be better
exhibited in a larger space suitable for viewers and visitors. </p>
<p>The building is dedicated to the memories of former Archaeological Commissioner,
Harriot Topsey and Museum Director, Mrs. Winnel Branche. They were among the pioneers in
efforts to establish a permanent home for Belize's ancient treasures for the benefit of
present and future generations. </p>
<p>Provision is also being made to establish a small scale museum display center within
this same building. This will provide another tourism attraction for Belizeans and
visitors coming to Belmopan. </p>
<p>The Minister of Tourism and Environment, the Hon. Henry Young, will officially open the
new building located near the water reservoir, on the Ring Road. There will be a display
mounted by the Belize Tourism Board, and the Departments of Archaeology and the
Environment. </p>
<p>Funds for the curatorial building were provided by the Government of Belize and other
external agencies. (ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Belmopan, 25th June, 1998. -(BIS)- The Hon. Dean Barrow, Deputy Prime Minister, will
deliver the main address during handing over ceremonies this afternoon at 2 p.m. for a
newly-rehabilitated school building for St. John's Primary School in Belize City. </p>
<p>The building, housing the Middle and Upper classes, was rehabilitated at a total cost
of some $127,000. The Social Investment Fund (SIF) provided grant funds to the tune of
some $116,000 while the community in the area contributed the balance of approximately
$10,500 through a cash contribution by the Parent/Teachers Association, and in-kind
assistance from the National Fire Service and the Conscious Youth Development Programme
(CYDP). </p>
<p>The rehabilitated building will provide an improved teaching and learning environment
and will enable the management of the school to concentrate on improved educational
services to residents of the area. </p>
<p>The school's principal, Mrs. Grace Williams, will give the welcome address while SIF's
Executive Director, Mr. Oscar Alonzo will give an overview of the Project. </p>
<p>The building, located on Euphrates Avenue at the site of the former St. Michael's
College, will be blessed by the Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero, Anglican Bishop of
Belize.(ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Belmopan, 23rd June, 1998. -(BIS)- The National Human Development Committee (NHDAC) is
hosting a one-week National Consultation Workshop next Monday, June 29th at the Belmopan
Hotel. </p>
<p>The aim of the Workshop is to develop a National Poverty Elimination Strategy and
Action Plan. This is being done in collaboration with the United Nations Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Caribbean Development Bank and the
Government of the United Kingdom. </p>
<p>The consultation begins at 9 a.m. and the media is invited. (ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Belmopan, 23rd June, 1998. -(BIS)- The Senate met today in Belmopan to ratify Bills
that had been through their third reading at the last Sitting of the House of
Representatives, on Friday, 19th June, 1998. </p>
<p>Among Bills now passed by the Senate are the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 1998; the
Belizean Nationality (Amendment) Bill, 1998; the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)
Bill, 1998; the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 1998 and the Families and
Children Bill, 1998. </p>
<p>The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill seeks to exempt all employed persons resident in Belize
and earning less than $20,000 per anum from the payment of income tax; increases the basic
allowance for all employed taxpayers resident in Belize to $19,600; abolishes corporate
income tax; provides for the imposition of a business tax on all self-employed persons,
companies and other companies and other entities in lieu of income tax; rationalizes the
tax structure and makes it more equitable. </p>
<p>The Belizean Nationality (Amendment) Bill provides for the definition of economic
citizenship and makes better provisions relating to economic citizenship. </p>
<p>The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, among other things, seeks to abolish
the offense of attempted suicide; modifies and rationalizes the provisions related to the
defence of provocation a charge of murder; creates new offenses of obtaining a money
transfer by deception and dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit; provides for special
juries in certain cases; modernizes the law of evidence in both criminal and civil cases
and protects women from unfair cross-examination ia trials for sexual offenses. </p>
<p>The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill gives effect to the proposals of the
Elections and Boundaries Commission made under Section 90 of the Belize Constitution for
the redivision of electoral divisions. </p>
<p>And the Families and Children Bill provides for reform and consolidation of the law
providing for the care, protection and maintenance of children and making provisions with
respect to the fostering and adoption of children, among others. (ENDS) </p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>Belmopan, June 23rd, 1998. -(BIS)- Inaugural ceremonies will be held tomorrow June
24th, 1998 for a new building for Calvary Temple Primary School located in Belize City. </p>
<p>The new school building was constructed at a cost of $164,500 through the Basic Needs
Trust Fund. Contractor was Robert Usher whilst the Consulting Engineer was Mitchell Moody
and Associates. </p>
<p>The six classroom building will also house a principal's office and luncheon area as
well as two lavatories. Construction commenced in December of 1997 and was completed last
month. </p>
<p>Inaugural ceremonies will be held at the Calvary Temple Primary School grounds, Regent
Street West, Belize City at 2:00 p.m. Calvary Temple Primary School has a student
enrollment of 161 students and an eight teacher staff.(ENDS) <img
SRC="file:///c|/develop/graphics/lines/road.gif" WIDTH="640" HEIGHT="10"> </p>
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