November 2009 Archives

Belmopan, Belize 29 November (Belizean.com) Belize's Telecommunications industry seems headed for some turbulent times as the two elephants of the industry face off for what promises to be a long term confrontation.  As the old Swahili saying goes, when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers and the grass in this case, are the thousands of Belizeans who rely upon the services provided by these two companies for their daily communication needs.

After an apparent unsuccessful bid to wrest business away from Smart using propaganda and business promotions, BTL decided to pull off the gloves and play dirty.  The gist of the whole matter is that Prime Minister Dean Barrow realizes now, that BTL cannot possibly survive in an atmosphere of fair competition.  From the outside, it looked oh so easy and rosy but having grabbed that tiger by the tail, the Barrow Administration now seems unable to let go or hold on.

In his presentation to the House upon springing his surprise, Prime Minister Barrow made a number of promises that now seems little more than hot air.  The first promise and primary reason given for the takeover was that litigation problems would go away.  What a joke!  Seems that Michael Ashcroft can now remind Dean Barrow of the very comments that he, Barrow,  made when he stated in the House, "he doesn't know the friend that he is dealing with."  Ashcroft is no patsy and is not likely to go quietly into the night as Barrow was obviously hoping for.

Belmopan, Belize 8 November (Belizean.com) Belize opened its arms last week to welcome home a man described as the country's most famous deportee. 

Accomplished "hip-hop" artist Jamaal "Shyne" Barrow was handed over to Belizean authorities last Wednesday after spending the last ten years in the Clinton Correctional Facility, a maximum security penitentiary in upstate New York.  (Clinton is named for the township in which it is located and not for the former US president.)  

While in prison, Shyne changed his name to Moses Michael Levi to reflect his new found religion of Judaism. He has not indicated any plan to change his stage name but made it abundantly clear in an interview following an appearance at Wesley College that he definitely has no plans to change or "sanitize" his music.  Shyne's lyrics, while catchy, creative and poetic is laden with vulgarity, violence and disrespect toward women. 

While Shyne's presence in Belize could very well do wonders for our music industry, some have questioned what will be the long term effect on the morality of our young people.  The administrators of Wesley College apparently had no reservations in that regard, allowing Shyne to give a press conference from a classroom while using the school and entire student body as a prop and backdrop.

Belmopan, Belize 6 November (Belizean.com) Deported Rapper Moses "Shyne" Leviy (born Jamal Barrrow) today moved into the deluxe Renaissance Towers Penthouse in north side Belize City in time to celebrate his 30th  birthday.

A local T.V. station reported that:

Moses Michael Leviy AKA "Shyne" has a new home. And when we checked at Renaissance Towers today, packers were moving the personal effects of businessman Luke Espat from the luxury apartment. This will now be Shyne's new address, a far cry from the small prison cell at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora where he spent almost a decade of his life.

Shyne, rapper and son of the prime minister, is expected to take up residence today in the sprawling unit that sits atop of the Towers at Newtown Barracks, far away from Meighan Avenue or Curassow Street where he was raised, in time to celebrate his thirtieth birthday this Sunday with family and friends.

A peek at the furnished apartment shows it comes complete with a movie theatre, bar, guest rooms and maid quarters. Espat would not confirm the rental price but it is safe to say the price tag matches the lifestyle of the rich and famous. It is also known that negotiations include the option to purchase the multi-million dollar luxury apartment along with two units below the seventh floor penthouse that will be used by guests and agents.

Once settled, Moses Leivy's immediate plans include writing a book on his life. Another fixture expected to be seen at his new crib is the mentor of U.S. President Barack Obama. Charles Ogletree taught Obama and first lady Michelle at Harvard University and he is expected to return to visit Shyne in two weeks. Shyne's affinity for Ogletree is evident in the fact that from the time of his arrival in the jewel, all his public appearances have been in Harvard clothing apparel.