Black Immigrant Daily News

Eid-ul- Adha Message from the President of the CIOG – July 2022:

Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak!

“This day I have perfected your Deen for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen.” (Holy Quran – Surah Al-Ma’eda Chapter 5 verse 3)

All gratitude is to Allah (swt), Lord of all creation, peace and blessings on the noble Prophet
(saw), his family and Companions. I offer Eid Mubarak greetings on behalf of the Central
Islamic Organization of Guyana and I ask Allah (swt), the Almighty, to accept from all of us, our good deeds.

Eid-ul-Adha is the commemoration of one of the most celebrated families in history. Our father, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) or Abraham. He is known as the common patriarch of what is referred to as the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The day of Eid-ul-Adha, is the commemoration of the struggles of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and his family. This struggle at its core revolves around his absolute and pure devotion to Allah (swt), GOD Almighty. Him and his family’s willingness to sacrifice everything they possessed, especially, that which he loved the most, his son Ishmael, for his Lord.

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is described as the forefather of all the Prophets who came after him, including Moses, Jesus, and our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is accorded the highest status in the Holy Quran and is described in Surah An-Nahl Chapter 16: verse 120), as an “Ummah," a nation. Imagine one person referred to as an Ummah. This is partly because the amount of good, his exemplar submission to Allah (swt), and sincerity in his worship, all embodied to the degree of an entire Ummah, a nation. Further, he was given the title of Khaleel-lullah, or friend of Allah.

“When his Lord said to him ‘submit’, he said ‘I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” (Holy Quran – Surah Al-Baqara Chapter 2: verse 131)

Now that Eid-ul-Adha is upon us, how should we commemorate this day? Eid-ul-Adha is a
season of reflection, happiness, family bonding, and bridging the gap between generations, as well as nurturing mutual compassion for all of humanity. Eid is also an opportunity to
demonstrate solidarity. Especially as humanity continues to experience crises and obstacles, it is more important now than ever for each of us to be more introspective and step up to our full potential as custodians of each other. The pandemic did not look at race, color, creed or social standing. So too must our response be in the spirit of sacrifice, compassion and selflessness. Eid al-Adha is the celebration of the reformation of the human condition from that of servitude to other men to that of devotion to the Creator of all living and non-living things. Do not fall into the trap of considering yourself better than others; Remember Allah (swt) says, “People, we created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should get to know one another. Allah (swt) reminds us, “The most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.” (Holy Quran – Surah Al-Hujraat 49: verse 13).

Considering Eid as a unifying factor for all the Muslim Ummah, I humbly request you to join me in raising our hands in Dua. Supplicating to The Almighty for Blessings and Protection of our Muslim brethren and all of humanity. Let us pray for peaceful co-existence in Guyana and the entire world. Change begins with the person in the mirror. Our actions must prove that we mean no ill to anyone and we are all part of one humanity. Each one of us has to be the change that we desire. Change yourself in order to set an example that encourages others to change. Verily, Allah (swt) will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. (Holy Quran – Surah Ar-Rad chapter 13: verse 11)

However, let us also take time to enjoy ourselves during these blessed days. As we enjoy
ourselves, let us keep the remembrance of God ever present on our tongues and in our hearts. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, described our great holiday best when he mentioned, concerning the three days which follow ‘Eid day, “They are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.”

As Allah (swt) says in his Majestic Quran, “Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the
people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this Prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the Wali (protector and helper) of the believers.” (Holy Quran – Surah Al-Imran 3: verse 68)

Our Father, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, epitomized the verse of the Quran: “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3: verse 173)

May Allah (swt) continue to bless you and your families and make us people who strive to bring benefit to others. Let us work on improving ourselves and those around us. Together we work to become agents of peace, instilling harmony among people regardless of ethnicity and creed. Let us be protectors of each other. May GOD bless our nation as we all strive for a better country.

May Allah (swt) show us right as right and help us to follow it and show us evil as evil and
enable us to stay far away from it. I pray our reflection leads us to be like the great Prophet, the Patriarch, our father, the Friend of GOD Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him and his family.

Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak!

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Black Immigrant Daily News

While Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 are still the predominant strains causing COVID-19 in the country, Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa says that may soon change.

by Khaila Gentle

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 7, 2022
The number of new daily COVID-19 cases has fallen below 200 for the first time in a week (with 161 new cases confirmed at the time of writing), but Director of Public Health and Wellness Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa says that Belize is still very much in the midst of its fifth wave. And while results from recent genome sequencing have revealed that Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 are still the predominant COVID-19 strains in the country, that may change as soon as next week.
According to Dr. Diaz Musa, at present, more samples are being sequenced, and it is likely that the presence of the BA.4 and BA.5 strains will be detected. As the dynamics of the pandemic continue to shift, the Ministry of Health & Wellness has noted slight changes in the symptoms being presented by persons with COVID-19.
“Our hospitalization rates have been the same. We haven’t seen a significant increase. What I can say is that the symptoms that are being reported have shifted a little bit from previously, because with Omicron BA.1 and 2 we know that a lot of the symptoms were upper respiratory tract, or sore throat…a runny nose, sinusitis, and headache. Now we are seeing persons presenting a little bit more with cough—some people have developed pneumonia and are treated with antibiotics at home,” said the Director.
Dr. Diaz Musa noted that compounded with the fact that the symptoms of the newest COVID-19 sub-variants are slightly more severe than their previous counterparts, is recent scientific evidence that reveals the antibodies—whether through vaccines or being previously exposed to the virus—are less effective against BA.4 and BA.5.
“We know that because of the significant mutations, this virus is evading these antibodies three or four times more than with the previous sub-variants, so it’s something of concern as well,” she said.
Nevertheless, Dr. Musa Diaz maintains that vaccines continue to provide protection against severe illness and hospitalization. While there have been claims that the new sub-variants have also been eluding rapid tests, Dr. Melissa Diaz says that that has not been proven as yet.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Police corporal Kent Martinez, who had been charged with manslaughter by negligence for the shooting death of well-known teacher Allyson Major, was acquitted of all charges on Monday. But the quest for justice is not over, says Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa.

by Khaila Gentle

BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 4, 2022
Corporal Kent Martinez was accused of firing the shot that hit Allyson Major once in the head during a high-speed chase through the streets of downtown Belize City in 2019—ultimately causing the 36-year-old teacher’s death. But following a trial in the Supreme Court this week, the police corporal has been acquitted of all charges.
On Monday, July 4, Supreme Court Justice Ricardo O’Neil Sandcroft found Martinez not guilty of manslaughter by negligence due to insufficient evidence—indicating agreement with the no-case submission that had been made by Martinez’s attorney, Oscar Selgado. Justice Sandcroft directed a jury of nine to return with a not-guilty verdict, stating, “Evidence must be sure so that the prosecution makes you sure. Selgado made a no-case submission that the burden of proof was not met. So, you must return a not guilty verdict.”
This was because ballistic evidence provided by the National Forensic Science Laboratory could not link Martinez to the bullet that caused Major’s death. According to Oscar Selgado, pieces of the bullet that were removed from Major’s body “did not bear sufficient description and information” to be compared to any of the shells that had been recovered at the scene of the shooting.
In response to the outcome of the trial, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Kareem Musa has stated that he—much like Major’s friends, family, and a vast percentage of the Belizean populace—is extremely disappointed.
“It certainly opens up a wound which has not at all healed. And to hear that, in fact, this officer who was charged is now able to walk free and that the family has not received the justice that they deserve, like I said, it’s very disappointing to hear,” said Hon. Musa in an interview on Tuesday.
Musa pointed out the fact that a critical piece of evidence had been deemed inadmissible in the trial: surveillance footage that allegedly shows an officer pointing his weapon in the direction of Allyson Major. As a result, the Minister is hoping that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) can find grounds for the case to be appealed.
“I would hope that the DPP would explore the possibility and take a very hard and serious look to see whether there was an error in law in denying the admissibility of that particular piece of evidence, which, like I said, would be very crucial in a case like this,” he stated.
During the interview, Minister Musa condemned the killing of Major along with the fact that, apart from being charged criminally, Corporal Martinez had not faced disciplinary action—nor had any of the other officers who were involved in the shooting.
“There is also the issue of the tribunal disciplinary hearing possibly against not just one but several officers, because I have no doubt in my mind, not a single doubt, that the police killed Allyson Major—not a doubt in my mind. I do not think a civilian was standing on the street side that day and fired a shot at Allyson Major. I do not think that,” said Hon. Musa, who hopes that the police can continue to investigate the matter internally.
On July 16, 2019, Allyson Major was shot once in the head while driving his vehicle as he was chased by police officers down Regent Street in Belize City.
According to court papers, the police had reported that a “burgundy double-color van” was seen on George Street and that, upon following the van, they observed the driver throwing packages out of the vehicle. A chase ensued, during which shots were fired. Shortly after, the van crashed into a bus near the Swing Bridge, and Allyson Major was found inside, bleeding from the back of the head. He was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) but died a day later on Wednesday, July 17. No drugs or guns were found in his possession.
Several days later, Corporal Kent Martinez was arraigned and charged with manslaughter following an investigation by the Office of the DPP, which reportedly found that the bullet that caused Major’s death came from Martinez’s 9mm service weapon.
Major’s family is currently awaiting a date for a civil suit being filed against the Government of Belize for the unlawful killing. Hon. Kareem Musa—who was previously the attorney representing the family in the suit—has said that, regardless of this most recent verdict, it is not too late for Martinez, as well as the other officers who were involved in the incident, to face disciplinary action:
“The question is, why did the department not take any action back then three years ago against this officer—or these officers? Like I said, it was not just one officer chasing after Allyson Major—maybe it was one officer who shot him, but several vehicles were in chase of Allyson Major that day, and so we have to look at that and to see who should be charged. It’s not too late for that—to charge them tribunally. Because the last message that I would want to send, even though this did not happen under our term in office, the last message that I would want to send as Minister is that it is okay for you to kill someone unjustifiably like this and then the following day be able to walk on the streets in your uniform again. That is not acceptable,” he said.
Back in 2019, Corporal Martinez was represented by attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who had the following to say:
“When things like that happen, the decent thing to do in our society is that the authorities are to publicly apologize for the loss of life. They should not put the family through any lengthy court proceedings…pay compensation to the family…for losing a father and a husband. That is the proper, decent thing to do.”
The court verdict, which has proven devastating to the Major family, comes just a few days before the first anniversary of the murder of another civilian at the hands of a police officer. On July 14, 2021, teenager Laddie Gillett was shot and killed while on a beach in Placencia, allegedly by police officer Kareem Martinez. That officer was dismissed and is awaiting trial.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

“So, we are about to see what kind of government we have, and the church will not be afraid to show the nation what kind of government we have, depending on their reaction to the results of the referendum. As I’ve said before, we have skin in the game, and we are not going anywhere,” stated Pastor Louis Wade today. 

by Marco Lopez 

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 7, 2022
This week, it was announced that the number of signatures of Belizean voters that had been garnered by the churches met the 10% threshold to trigger a referendum on the legalization of cannabis. Today, a joint press release from the churches, under an umbrella moniker, the “Belize Coalition of Churches”, thanked the Belizean people, organizers, and benefactors who made what they call an “unprecedented moment possible.” Indeed, the churches achieved a historic feat by triggering the referendum, and today, Pastor Louis Wade told local media that they are now doubling down on their efforts to convince the public to oppose marijuana legalization
within the next 60 days—the period of time that will likely elapse before the referendum is held.
“We believe that time is on our side. When we went into the street, we had extended dialogue with the citizens of this nation, and they have their reasons for forcing the government to a referendum, and they have their reason why they will vote no. We believe, however, that since the period of time that we went out on the streets, there is new information which shows us even more why we should reject marijuana legalization in Belize,” Pastor Louis Wade said.

Wade, who expressed the churches’ belief that the government has not put forward a strong argument for the legalization of cannabis and creation of a cannabis industry, said that they want the opportunity to share the vital pieces of information they have with the public.

In pointing to what the churches consider one of the major shortfalls in GoB’s plan to lay the groundwork for a cannabis industry, Wade said, “They are simply talking about economic, but they have not shown us where the Police Department, for example, at the present moment, is able to regulate a marijuana industry…” He claimed that, according to information they’ve received from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Government of Belize has stopped representatives from that entity from going out to test cannabis fields.

“We also know that the committee has not met for almost a year and a half, since this government came to office,” Wade claimed. He asserted that right now, the government has been able to “talk”, but “has not demonstrated the ability to regulate marijuana as we speak”. “And so,” he went on to say, “we will be putting our campaign forward as soon as the Governor-General makes the writ and releases it. We are confident that Belizeans know the damage that marijuana has done in their community and their household.”

The efforts of the churches to convince members of the public to oppose the legalization of marijuana via a referendum vote, is taking place within a local legal framework that, according to the Bar Association, does not render the referendum results binding—meaning that the government is not legally required to comply with the results. When asked today by AMANDALA what the churches hope to achieve by the non-binding demonstration of democracy, Pastor Wade responded that the government’s course of action following the referendum will show its true colors.

“We did not elect demi-gods; we elected people who said they would be servants of the people, and I believe that should the people of Belize speak to say we do not want marijuana legalized, I believe that, whether or not the government thinks it is powerful enough or popular enough, I think the question is whether or not they will be humble enough to be able to say ‘we stand corrected’. So, we are about to see what kind of government we have, and the church will not be afraid to show the nation what kind of government we have, depending on their reaction to the results of the referendum. As I’ve said before, we have skin in the game, and we are not going anywhere,” said Wade.

He said that this process is not the church imposing its position on the masses, but that the churches have taken on a leadership role in the democratic process, and the people, according to Wade, have given them the mantle, adding that this issue is just one of many that need to be put to the people through a referendum.  

“This is a good time,” Wade said. He continued, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there are many other issues that need to be put before the people of Belize in referenda. We should not be afraid of this process, because it is the purest form of hearing the voice of the people on any issues, especially on controversial issues. “

Pastor Wade claimed that the government is attempting a wholesale “liberalization” of the country and culture in regard to marijuana use in Belize.

 ”The exact word of Minister Musa, on a program called Taboo, was that his objective was to legalize recreation marijuana absolutely, no restrictions, if he would have his way. So the current agenda is an ultra-liberalization of drugs in Belize. There is no way we will endorse that,” Wade said.

Those remarks were made by Wade in response to a question posed by AMANDALA regarding the church’s position on the legalization of industrial hemp. It is well known that industrial hemp is the plant species of Cannabis that produces a non-psychoactive quantity of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). According to international standards, hemp plants contain 0.3 percent or less THC.

Wade, however, pointed to a challenge being faced by local hemp growers within the global hemp market: the difficulty in ensuring that the THC content in their hemp plants does not exceed 0.3 percent—which would result in those plants being classified as marijuana and thus being subject to destruction. He suggested that this was one of the key reasons for the push to legalize cannabis.

“Whenever the plant passes the CBD test and the THC test, where the content is particular level then there are industrial uses for that product. The problem in Belize is the testing of hemp. One of the reasons why they are trying to legalize it is because the hemp industry in Belize is having a problem keeping the THC content below the legal level,” Wade said.

“This is why we cannot simply rubber-stamp the hemp industry in Belize, because we are unable to regulate it. There is a problem in the hemp industry in Belize right now, in industrial hemp, where the farmers are unable to control THC content. That is why the government is seeking to blanket-legalize marijuana, because then at that point the quantity of THC in your plant becomes irrelevant,” Wade claimed.

However, when Minister of New Growth Industries, Hon. Kareem Musa, appeared on an episode of the Taboo talk show, that was produced by Color Blind production and aired in early May, he gave a brief outline of the steps taken by the government to roll out an industry so far.

“The point is, we are now going to adult use, cannabis, and so we are not there at full legalization. What we are legalizing is the industry around it, and so we are creating all of these licenses, and so you do have to get a license in order to cultivate. You do need a license to be a dispensary, to be a security provider, to be a consumption lodge. And that’s another thing, cause I heard you discussing smoking out in public. That is still not going to be legal, smoking in public… You still have to still smoke at a private residence or in a consumption lodge, and it does not mean that you can have any amount of cannabis that you want … It’s now 28 grams, and I know people might think that’s a big jump… it really isn’t. So, there are certain things that we still have to understand, that it is not full-blown legalization. We’re not there yet,” Hon. Musa had said.   

Hon. Musa had also stated that some key objectives that GoB is aiming to achieve through legalization are increased revenue generation for the government, and the opening of mainstream cultivation for farmers who currently make a living through illegal cultivation of marijuana. The social equity license, which allows small players to become involved in the industry and which is included in Belize’s draft legislation, is a novel one, Hon. Musa said.

“We are one of the few countries in the world that actually have a social equity license, and I can tell you that in the US, a lot of the states are now following suit, because they realize that it’s not just about big business. This thing has a social impact as well…,” Hon. Musa said.

All parties await the Governor-General, Dame Froyla Tzalam’s release of the writ of referendum, which is expected to take place sometime before the end of this month. 

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