One of my brother seminarians has requested that I pray for and end to the strife and problems currently in his home country, Belize. Right now there are many riots and protests over the country's newly proposed budget, which includes new taxes. Also, the 'People's United Party' has allegedly had some corrupt officials waste billions of dollars, causing much unrest.
The Catholic Church in Belize is having some of its own troubles, as some of the government officials and those who would like to run for office are opposed to the Catholics and would like to hurt the Catholic Church. A great many prayers are needed - not only for Belize, but for much of Central and South America, where certain problems such as these exist today.
From The San Francisco Bay View:
"Civil unrest broke out in Belmopan, capital city of Belize, provoked by the release of a new national budget with significant tax increases as well as anger at the ruling People’s United Party for the worsening fiscal condition of the Belizean government. The government’s 2005-2006 budget, released on Jan. 13, includes major tax increases on a variety of businesses and commodities and further delays long overdue raises to teachers and public service workers.No longer could popular frustration be restrained after years of alleged financial mismanagement and corruption by the People’s United Party that included non-stop spending and borrowing, sale of the country’s assets, privatizing the water, the electricity, the airport and the port, and even the potential leasing of the barrier reef and Mayan archaeological sites. Belize is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and a 270-mile Caribbean coastline.
Among the demonstrators on Jan. 21 in front of the Belize National Assembly are teachers, union members, civil society and business people who represent a cross section of the Belizean population. The Belize population is almost 32.9 percent Creole (mixed Black with white), 40.7 percent Mestizo (Indigenous and white), 6.1 percent Garifuna (Blacks originating from Africans and Caribs), 10.6 percent Maya and 9.7 percent “other,” which includes East Indians, Middle Easterners, Europeans and Chinese.
The new budget sparked protests at the National Assembly building on Jan. 15. The Chamber of Commerce, the unions, the Better Business Bureau and civil society called for the implementation of reforms against continued corruption, before any new taxes are even considered. The government decided they did not have to pay attention.
Prime Minister Said Musa said of the budget measure, which raises some taxes by as much as 22 percent, that increases are necessary to help pay spiraling international debt. His administration has been plagued by financial scandals and higher living costs.
The people finally said “enough!” and a general strike was called for Jan. 20-21 by a rare coalition of unions, businesses and civil society. The call was answered. About 90 percent of the businesses and all the schools, from primary to university level, closed nationwide."
Any prayers are appreciated.