As a Vice-President and Department Manager of Corporate Actions at Citibank, she is a success at supervising a diverse group of business conglomerates around the globe. Her charge includes a United States group, a London group, and a diverse Latin American group comprised of member countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, and Mexico, including others. Her employees and coworkers will tell you that she is a natural for this position. Where others lack the skills to handle tough decisions, especially where it concerns billions of dollars, Elizabeth expertly evaluates the situation in minutes and unhesitatingly makes the right decision.

Liz, as she is affectionately called by her friends and family, was a mere teenager when she left Belize eighteen years ago for the bright lights of New York and the promise of a bright future. Like many of us who came to America in that era, her first job was as a waitress. Unlike myself who only lasted one day in what most consider being one of the most grueling jobs in America, she lasted two weeks. Her early leadership skills were immediately apparent to her employer who promoted her to Maitre ‘D, a position she held for only two months before being quickly promoted to managing the entire restaurant. Liz, however, had her sight on an even brighter future and after three years of managing the restaurant, she ventured out into corporate America as a clerk for the then prestigious brokerage firm, E F Hutton in New York City. She weathered many mergers and acquisitions between brokerage firms and rose quickly in rank to become a Vice-President at Smith Barney. Three years ago, Citibank in Florida recruited Liz to work in their worldwide Securities Division. A bright and sunshiny prospect, she could not refuse. However, Liz stipulated that her two best and devoted workers, Sherida and Val, both Trinidadians, should also make the move to Citibank. Citibank acquiesced. The saying goes that “behind every successful man is a good woman”. Well, the reverse is also true. Carlton Gabb, her devoted husband and childhood sweetheart, had no qualms or second thoughts about relocating his family to Florida. Carlton, a foreman in the construction business, soon found his niche in the booming city of Tampa. Their two children, Brandon and Meghan, have also loved the move to sunny Florida, where the carefree countryside atmosphere of their home is exactly what Liz and Carlton envisioned for their family, reminiscent of their growing up in Belize.

As her long-time friend and confidant, I can truly say that Liz is a gem and a one-of-a-kind individual. She has touched so many lives with her honest and caring qualities and has amassed a plethora of friends over the years who all think very highly of her and see her as role model.

We applaud Liz for being able to successfully juggle her roles as a wife, mother and career woman and we wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.§

It was at long last that I was able to convince Elizabeth “Liz” Menzies-Gabb of the importance and impact her story would have on some of our youth today. Like Liz, we have many Belizean success stories in the Diaspora. Some cannot even be said to be “successful” in the more traditional meaning of the word (riches and fame) but their stories are so powerful and loaded with lessons that it is worth telling them. Like the young girl with the ‘disabled’ child who has struggled and overcame many obstacles and continues to so. Like the young man who came to America full of ideals and wonderful dreams only to fall victim to drugs and alcohol but one day decided to turn his life around. Like the young man who was homeless and in utter despair when he was ‘touched by an angel’. What about the young housewife who saw no end to her husband’s beatings and the young teenage mother who’s child was fathered by her own father after years of mental and sexual abuse? These and many stories remain untold but through all the adversity and hardship, these people persevered and are now confident, self-assured and successful in their own right.

It is my hope that the Belizean community will respond with their stories to empower our youth and show them that there is hope even in their darkest hour. However, we do respect your privacy and will honor your requests. If you would like to be profiled or you know someone you consider an ideal profile, please call us at 323.732.0200.

By Kim Neal

Many people wrongly believe that financial is first come, first served. One of the main reasons that many students are refused financial aid is not because their parents make too much money, but because they rushed through the application and made some mistakes. It is important that you take your time when filling out the application. Remember that it is the tortoise that won the race! While it is important to submit forms on time, it is more important that you submit a complete application form the day after it is due than to submit a hastily completed form with tons of mistakes. Paying attention to details will be rewarding.

Many parents assume that they make too much money for their child to qualify for financial aid. These parents tend to limit their search to only colleges that they think they can afford even if they do not receive financial aid. Apply for all forms of financial aid, and apply to the best colleges, even if it seems extremely expensive. Remember, many forms of financial aid are based on academic performance, not on financial need. The important thing to remember is to let the college determine your eligibility. Don't shortchange your child.

Some parents estimate that they will get lots of financial aid and apply to only the most expensive schools. If they don't get the aid they were anticipating, they couldn't afford the schools their child was accepted to. It is always important to apply to at least one school that you can afford without the help of financial aid. Also, try to apply to similar schools - schools that look for students with similar grades and SAT scores. These schools tend to compete with each other for applicants, and may differ in their financial aid packages. If your child is accepted to both schools, but wants to go to the more expensive one, you can use the more attractive financial aid package from the other school as bargaining power to get a better deal at the more expensive school.

The gap between tuition at out-of-state public colleges and private schools has been narrowing over the past few years. Always do a comparison test. Sometimes it may be more cost efficient to send your child to a private school within your state instead of a private out-of-state public college. Also remember that most state schools prefer to give aid to in-state students first.

Apply for financial aid even if you anticipate that you will not need it, and try to meet the schools' deadlines. Sometimes we have promises of money from grandparents or other relatives, so we do not see the need to apply for financial aid. If unforeseen circumstances force your relative to retract the promise, you may be stuck without a financial aid package, and it may be too late to apply.

A big mistake many parents and students make is to apply to colleges based on their sticker price rather than on the discount prices they will pay after financial aid kicks in. A college education is one of the biggest and most important purchases most families make, outside of owning a home. Do not choose a school without first investigating all their financial options. e.g. College A costs $30,000 a year and College B costs $15,000. Under the aid formula, let's assume most families are expected to contribute $10,000 per year. The need for financial aid is based on the difference between the cost of the school and what the family is expected to pay. This family would be eligible for $20,000 in aid from College A and only $5,000 from College B. Moral: If you can demonstrate financial need, you will be better off going to a more expensive private school than a less expensive state school.

A very expensive mistake many parents make is to take out a personal loan through a bank to cover the additional tuition. Always check first with the school your child will be attending for additional options. You may be able to get more attractive financing from the federal government, some commercial organizations and even from the school. Remember that home equity loans and other types of credit will come at a high price and with less payment options than these will.

Parents' biggest fear is forcing their children to pay off college loans in the early part of their careers. Remember that there is no interest charged on the Perkins Loan and the subsidized Stafford Loan until six months after your child graduates, or drops below half time. Also, there is no prepayment of principal for the same time. Additionally, during the first few years of employment, your child can always apply for forbearance i.e. deferment of the loan payments due to economic hardship while she gets on her feet.

Keep your options open as long as the college acceptance deadline is met. Do not disclose your intentions to a school until you have to. Sometimes your first acceptance may not be the best. Most times you may be able to negotiate a better deal using the competitive package from a similar-caliber school.

By Kim Neal

In 1986 Frank Muslar and Hubert McDonald originated this band. It all started with a group of talented musicians coming together; their one commonality was the love of music. They were skilled and wanted an outlet to exhibit their craft. The vision was to form a group, which would be dependable, committed, and structured.

The band has worked hard over the years putting in their dues, so to speak. Originally, they performed for bargain prices at special occasions like birthdays and weddings. The goal was to get as much “playing time” as possible, money was not the objective. As the band evolved, new members joined the group. The musical compositions of this group have become more polished and professional. Today, Belizean Gold has built a reputation, and the band is considered one of the best in the community.

Belizean Gold … A group made up of unique Belizean talents. They have a plethora mix of eclectic sounds of Caribbean rhythms. The band’s repertoire consists of Socca, Reggae, Classic Soul, and Punta Rock sounds directly from their home country of Belize.

A trio of talent combines smoothly to form the horn section. Frank Muslar leads with his sassy saxophone. His harmonious blows are paced by the smooth and sultry sounds of this instrument. Robert Tablada accompanies him with his tenor trombone. The natural pitch of the trombone is enhanced by the talent it takes to maneuver it. The brass section is rounded off with the experience of Phillip Wright on trumpet. Phillip also contributes with his soulful voice. His passionate vocals invoke memories, as he harmonizes to the classic oldies.

The band’s guitar section is comprised of three rare talents. Gordon Neal directs the team with his spirited plucks on lead guitar. He also satisfies the ear with soothing background vocals. Hubert McDonald keeps a steady strum on his rhythm guitar. Frederick “German” Linearez plays smooth, calm, and constructive behind the bass guitar. He also provides the vocals for the ethnic sounds of Punta Rock.

Martin Tillett fills the air with the harmonic rhythm of his keyboard. His steady fingers play this arrangement expertly. Martin also lends his smooth vocals to sing lead for the band’s Reggae grooves. His soothing voice adds a great touch as a background singer as well. Adolph “Roy” Brown is the lead drummer. He keeps a steady and enthusiastic beat on the drums.

The vocal section brings up the rear, but is the most critical to the group. Lead singer Ensword “Pappy” Morris’ calypsonian tone belts out the up-tempo Socca music. His tenor chords and unique phrasing sends heartbeats thumping and hips swaying, to the sounds of the popular Caribbean music. The newest member of the group, Elizabeth Weatherbourne accompanies him by lending a feminine touch to the band. She sings like a nightingale to the sweet sounds of many popular Caribbean ballads. Her angelic voice sings blissfully, as she delicately phrases tender love songs. The legendary Harry Shaw joined the band in October of 1999. His deep and powerful voice rounds off this section. His strong vocals serenade the public as its baritone sound fills the air with heart aching, conscience probing ballads.

Belizean Gold has provided back-up sounds for many well-known groups and singers. Internationally renowned artists they’ve performed with include, Judy Boucher, Dobby Dobson, Keith Lynn, Calypso Rose and many others. They have also accompanied local Belizean talents such as Bella Carib, Junior Crawford, Chico Ramos, and “The Soulful Carlton Brown” among many others.

Over the years, Belizean Gold has worked with many Belizean Organizations. They are a constant presence at all the elegant dinner dances produced. Belizean Gold has been playing for the past nine years at the 21^st September Independence Celebration Dances, sponsored by The Consortium for Belizean Development, Inc. The band also continuously performs at CASSAC’s annual New Years Eve Dances. Their numerous appearances at out door festivities in the Belizean Community keeps them in touch with their roots.

For the past two years, the band has been taking their music on the road. Belizean Gold teamed up with The Consortium in September of 1998 to partake in Belize’s Bi-Centennial celebrations. It was the first time the band had been out of the country as a performing group. Coordinating everything was difficult. The band members look upon the trip to Belize as a learned experience. They now know the intricacies involved in taking the band on the road. They are looking forward to an up-coming road trip to Chicago. The band will perform at Hollywood East, a Caribbean nightclub for the Easter weekend. Peggy Sturdivant of Harlequin Productions is orchestrating all this traveling.

The music group is looking forward to a creative and active future. The band holds dances periodically at Frank’s Place, where they regularly perform to a full house. They are also looking forward to releasing their first Compact Disc (CD) recording, comprising original music. The community is proud of the band and looks forward to hearing their musical compositions for years to come. ♫

1. Accelerate mortgage payments - paying more than your minimum mortgage payment puts the power of interest compounding to work for you instead of your lender. 

2. Reduce insurance costs

If you bought your homeowners' policy through your lender, chances are your premiums are very high. Shop around for a competitive bid from other insurers. They are usually willing to beat your present quote.

Consider raising your deductible to $500. This will save you 10% or more on your annual premium.

Reduce the replacement cost coverage of your policy if the value of your home is now significantly lower than when you bought it.

Most importantly, don't just be content knowing that you have homeowners' insurance. Continually review your policy to make sure that you have the most cost efficient one.

3. Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - PMI protects your lender in the event you default on your loan. You are required to pay this insurance when you have less than 20% starting equity in your home or if you have a not so good credit history. PMI costs start from as low as $250 per year, and can go to over $600 for every $100,000 you borrow. However, if you live in an area where the property values have increased significantly and you are paying regularly on your mortgage, you may be paying PMI unnecessarily. You need to determine your present equity in your home by figuring out your mortgage balance. Call your lender and get this balance, then subtract that number from your home's current value based on recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. If your equity now exceeds 20%, you are no longer required to pay PMI. Write a letter to your lender demanding that your PMI payment be eliminated.

4. Get refunds and reduced payments from your escrow/impound account - this is a separate account that is held by your lender that you pay into each month. This money is for the payment of your property taxes and hazard insurance. Federal rules introduced in 1995 say that lenders:

Cannot legally require more than 2 months payments in this account as a cushion;

Must send you a statement early in the year projecting how much your escrow account will increase for the year; and

Must consider money already in the account when calculating your monthly payment for the coming year. This can result in lower payments for you.

You must find out how much is in your escrow account by calling your lender or checking your monthly statements. If the lowest balance is ever more than twice your monthly payment, call your lender. You should be refunded the difference.

 

Californians in Support of The Anglican Cathedral College

Enjoy a Barn Dance!

Let yourself GO with...DJ Benji

Benji’s Records 323.734.9531~ Caribbean Market 323.232.5465 ~ Joyce 323.731.2849  ~ Pelican restaurant 323.232.5487

Rosalind 323.737.0136 ~ Seabreeze Records 323.371.2927 ~ Sylvia 310.532.5929  ~ Theola 323.293.8135

On President’s Day weekend, Sunday February 20, 2000 the first annual Parade and Festival of Nations was held. The events were to celebrate the 150^TH Birthday of Los Angeles County … its sesquicentennial. The festivities were in honor of the county and its diverse population.

The parade was a two-hour event. Delegations from over fifty countries participated. The Consul Core in Los Angeles was asked to put each delegation together. Dancers, costumed marchers, musicians, and other entertaining units represented the countries that took part. Also participating in the parade were entertainment and sport stars, floats, and marching bands. The Consul General for each foreign country headed their respective delegates.

The festival took place at Hancock Park in the Miracle Mile area from 11:00 am until dusk. The park became an “oasis for networking and open discussion”. People of many ethnic backgrounds and cultures interacted peacefully and without reservations with each other. Many countries had booths exhibiting arts and crafts and native cultural artifacts. Ethnic foods were on sale as well. Joan and Sisters Restaurant of 3709 S. Western Ave. in Los Angeles presented an array of ethnic Belizean foods to the international gathering.

In May of 1998, a committee spearheaded by Consul General Roy Young and chaired by Lem Vaughan, Ruben Trujeque, and James Castillo was organized. Other committee members included Rita Palacio, Dorla Paulino, and Kim Hernandez. The duty of the planning group was to organize a delegation, which would represent all ethnic groups of Belize. The laborious planning was a success. Despite the overcast clouds and light precipitation, approximately one hundred and twenty-five Belizeans showed up to participate as part of the countries delegation. The parade group was colorful and enthusiastic. Consul General Roy Young and his wife Wilhelmina lead the delegation by riding in a vintage classic convertible. Ex-army serviceman Paul Sabal proudly carried the Belize flag. A truck carried drummers, as they beat the ethnic sounds of the Garifunas. Two Garifuna dance groups, Wasanigu (Our kids) and Waruguma (Star) followed. The delegation concluded with marchers decked out in tee shirts donated by Francis Ford Coppola. The shirts had the Belize flag on the back, and the Belize Tourism Board trademark jaguar logo, printed on the front.

It’s been a long while since a Belizean has produced a serious social commentary of this nature. Indeed, many works of literature have surfaced, but none has had a momentous impact that Mr. Erwin Jones’ book of poems will have. His work critically examines the changing “Belizean Identity” (if there is such a thing?), over the past generation that is glaringly manifested in our daily lives. For as he puts it “today dah no like back ina di dayz when life in Belize mi nice and fine” and further laments, “Belize gone to lone rass”. It is such bitter and biting frankness that is the hallmark of Jones’ poems. He is unpretentious and will be offensive to the decorous or politically correct reader.

When Jones recites his poem, the words, images, people and issues come alive. His voice is like a musical instrument, a drum perhaps, which give the words rhythm and melody. And like the drums, his poems recount the stories of those from Africa, our forefathers and mothers, who have given birth to the nation of Belize. And rightly so, he sees Belize through the eyes of the historically disadvantaged – the poor, down trodden, the hurt, the weak, the deprived, the abused, the poverty stricken, the uneducated – and relates what he sees in that same vein of frustration, anguish, disgust, apathy and hurt; no holds barred. His poems like “Jook”, “Grassroots Sketel”, “Dear Mama”, “Carla knew her life was short”,….bluntly embraces the view of life in Belize of the historically disadvantaged for whom life has been dastardly wretched, painfully troubling, physically demeaning, indeed, incredibly mind boggling.

This is what makes Jones’ poems uniquely Belizean; it is what I believe will cause his poems to live even after him. He has refused to conform to the conventions of politically correctness or euphemistic jargons that many young poets are swayed to do. If he did, his poems would not have the effect they have. What would he call a “Grassroots Sketel”, a grassroots sexual outlaw? That is one of the more commendable things about this anthology of poems. The poems force us, each one of us, to do some serious soul searching of why Belize has sunk to this abyss of despair, hopelessness, malaise, unproductivity, and stagnation, indeed, “mada rass”. They beckon us to concertedly pool our energies to reaffirm and forge the Belize identity that has been eroding for the last two decades. They beg the question repeatedly: “What does it mean to be a Belizean?” To have no values, scruples or ethics? To sell your family, friend and yourself to the highest bidder? To be killing time when time quietly kills you? To be a crack head, sketel, gangbanger, thief, rapist, murderer, psychopath? To be having sex from age 10? To have no hope for a better tomorrow? What does it mean? Are we looking at the birth of an Uprizing?

For copies of Mr. Jones’ book, log onto to his website at www.erwinbz.mrcool.org or send him an email at bokeem@hotmail.com

By Kim Hernandez

The AFL-CIO, one of the most influential labor federations in the United States, has adopted a measure that calls for a new amnesty for millions of undocumented workers and repeal of a 1986 law, which makes it a criminal offence to hire them. The federation unanimously adopted this position at its Executive Council winter meeting in February. Prospects regarding actual legislation, and its passage are unclear. Should the labor movement, immigrant and church communities team together to generate momentum, the effort may be successful, says John Wilhelm, president of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union. The position from the federation comes at a time when there are widespread labor shortages. It may even win support from the business community who themselves have called for another amnesty for illegal immigrants.

The resolution of the AFL-CIO calls for general amnesty for “millions” of undocumented workers. It also wants legal status to be granted immediately to 500,000 Haitians and Central Americans who were denied refugee status during the 1980’s and 1990’s. The resolution also propose that law makers grant amnesty to the 350,000 immigrants who were denied legal status under the 1986 amnesty law, and 10,000 Liberians who fled their home country because of civil war.

Recently, there have been many callings for a new amnesty for illegal immigrants. The position adopted by the AFL-CIO is by far the “most prominent and sweeping.” The labor federation has schedule four forums across the United States to consider and receive input for legislative strategies, for the newly proposed amnesty laws. On May 10^th 2000, one of the forums will be held in Los Angeles. ♦

By Helen Sheran

That is the slogan that all Guatemalans learn from the first day they attend school. Thus it was no surprise to me that once again Guatemala resorted to making clams to Belize’s territory.

Although reports were sketchy and appeared biased, this was apparently sparked by the Government of Belize protesting the illegal incursion of a
Guatemalan patrol into Belizean territory which occurred on February 24th, 2000 near the border in the Toledo District. Three Belize Defense Force soldiers and one Police Officer were illegally held by the Guatemalan authorities.

She lived her life by constantly giving to others. She was a registered nurse by profession, and was involved in many facets of nursing. Through her profession, she aided those who needed it. She was gentle, and possessed a healing touch; she gave comfort to many who needed it. As the founder of the Belizean American Nursing Community (BANC), she encouraged Belizean born nurses to advance their professional training. Through BANC she also interacted within the Belizean Community, and provided education on many critical health issues.

Mrs. Bennett was a Christian who was active in her church. She was a member of the Los Angeles Second Free Methodist Church. Her passion for women’s awareness lead her to serve as President of the church’s Women’s Missionary Fellowship group. Egzine also sang in the church choir and taught Sunday school for many years. In 1989 Belizean Heritage honored her as Mother of the Year, for her efforts on behalf of Belizean immigrants. The Los Angeles City Council and Belize’s Governor General Colville Young later commended her for her activism in the Belizean American Community. She was a founding member of The Consortium for Belizean Development, Inc. and served as Vice President of its Western region, where she pursued all avenues to ensure the regions excellent leadership.

It has been one year since her passing. Those who knew her have missed her gentleness, love, and encouragement. She will always be remembered for her faith in God, love of children, and pride for her country. Our continued prayers and sympathy go out to her family as we remember a giving and caring person. May her spirit always guide and protect those she loved.