And at the adjournment of the House, the UDP's Shyne Barrow joined the PM in recognizing the passing of Nestor Vasquez Sr., one of the founders of the UDP. Here's what they had to say about the passing of this a leading political figure:
Hon. Moses 'Shyne' Barrow, UDP Area Rep., Mesopotamia
"I would just like to acknowledge the passing of a political icon, one of the founding members of the UDP, Mr. Nestor Vasquez and I think we all join especially this side of the house, the opposition. I know the member from Fort George gave his regards, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Vasquez family and to the memory of Nestor Vasquez be blessed forever."
Hon. John Briceno - Prime Minister
"Madam Speaker, as I move the adjournment we on this side also want to express our condolences to the Vasquez family. Net Vasquez was also a close friend of my father, so is somebody I have known for a long time. On behalf on this side of the house, we send our sympathies to the Vasquez family. I now move the house adjourn."
NTUCB Backs Up Striking Union
As you've been seeing on the news the labor agitation is high right now - and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize today issued a release extending its solidarity with the BNTU, PSU, and the APSSM in their fight against the salary cuts and for good governance. As for the latter, they listed out some measures the government can take, including a social partnership agreement that is based on a tripartite model; the ratification of UNCAC and instituting the complementary legislations; implementation of an aggressive tax reform exercise; the reform policies and investments for the education, health, energy and agriculture sector, among other measures.
Kyle Chaplain Targeted Again
There was a shooting in Belize City this weekend. The target is a man whose name has often been in the news in connection with violent crime. Police told us that Kyle Chaplain was shot in the Belama area.
Fuel Price Dips
And while Chaplin recovers from another gunshot wound, user of premium gasoline will be given a slight break to recover from high gas prices. That's because, effective midnight, premium prices will decrease by 38 cents, going from $11.64 to $11.26 per gallon. The prices for regular, kerosene, and diesel remain unchanged at $10.69, $6.87, and $9.96 per gallon, respectively.
Around this time last year, premium prices were at $10.92 and regular had just seen an almost $3 decrease to $7.26. Diesel was at $8.25 and kerosene was at $5.43.
