Belize Times makes a comeback, but who calls the shots?
We note that the printed version of the opposition newspaper, Belize Times, is back on the streets. The newspaper re-surfaced this past weekend in full color and went on sale on Saturday. The printed edition was discontinued back in August because the paper was losing money and had become unsustainable for the People’s United Party that was also having issues over financing. At the time, the closure of the party organ stirred controversy because three of its long standing employees were sent home. They in turn complained that they had not been given adequate notice nor had they been paid their dues for long years of service. In is present re-incarnation, the color printing of the paper is being outsourced to private printers across the border and is still available online. We can confirm that the three members of staff who were released will not be re-hired. Alberto Vellos remains the editor and Chris Williams the desktop publisher. The plan is to also return to publication on Thursdays. In terms of the business side, attorneys’ Karim Musa and Kevin Arthurs are at the forefront. Musa says that they have sourced a cost effective way for printing that is much more sustainable. In terms of content, it’s much of the same, but we took note of an article called “Don’t Roll the Dice.” It does not carry a byline so the impression is that in the P.U.P. organ, there is a position in respect of the ICJ and the October 2013 referendum. The article concludes that if you must, vote NO. But the PUP Leader has said that the opposition will first consult its membership and then take a position next year.
I guess the party organ is reading the national vibes correctly while those in the high echelons of the PUP are playing a deadly game. If the PUP leaders are too high in the clouds to feel what the popular Belizean sentiments are, then come 2017…let them stay up there!
ONLY in the PUP!
We fire hard working die hard party supporters, don’t pay them what they have earned over the years and to add insult to injury start printing back the paper but give the job to the Guatemalans!
Only in the PUP!
Da so we in the PUP do it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lets blame this on the Public Accounts Committee. . . . . . . .
….and say that the members of the other side were not in agreement to have the printing done here in Belize.
That’s good! Opposition paper is crucial. And it looks better than before!
The Jewel needs an equally prominent “non-aligned” outlet for reformers, patriots, and non-partisans who just want the best FOR THE NATION instead of for a political party. Truth sometimes is hard to find when it is filtered or camoflauged by partisan agendas.
I am happy that the Belize Times has resurfaced in the printed version. Not all Belizeans have access to a computer nor internet. I do hope it is consistent on a weekly basis. Kudos to those that made this possible. Belizeans need to hear the message of the opposition. It is important for a balance democracy. I am sure that the ruling UPD Government and other sour grapes are upset with this wonderful news.