Author: Twocanview LLC

How did we get here? by: Aria Lightfoot

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apathy

 

How did we get to this place in Belize?  This is a reflective question I keep asking myself as I watch and listen in horror as the death toll keep climbing in Belize. I know the helplessness and frustrations of those who want to make a difference; the paralysis of those who live in the carnage daily and the failing and inept judicial system that creates no justice for the average Belizean. Back in the day murder was unheard of, and the ones that did occur was normally limited to domestic violence that got bitterly out of hand.

When I grew up in Belize, Belizeans were known as docile people, a description I had issue with because it seemed to describe people who did as they were told. Today I long for the days when we are back to a peaceful fun loving people; back to a community spirited people.

As I reflect on the society I grew up in, I remember a peaceful, happy society where everyone got along and people were poor but were satisfied with what they had…

My idealistic happy society was challenged by a colleague recently, who argues that not everyone in Belize grew up with this nostalgic, fun loving Belize I have in my mind and it is because of this misconception of the society we lived in, we blindly help to create this monster we are facing today. So I decided to reflect on a society of what was and still is many Belizeans’ reality.

A child is born innocent into this world like a blank canvas we can use to create the future on. The environment we expose children is normally a predictor for the outcome of that child in most cases, not all.  So lets look at children in Belize.  Families should be strong protective barriers and places of comfort and refuge from the outside world.   Many would paint a successful family as two parents who are financially secured who offer their children opportunities and exposure to create success in their future and help define who they will become as adults. The family unit is important.  Let us take a serious look into Belize’s family structure.

Many of our children are products of outside marriages.  Many children are products of men who are already married with children and many children are products of relationships where the mother and father didn’t really have any relationship more than a sexual relationship.  The child is born into a contentious environment. The father has no relationship with the child or is forced into a financial relationship with that child and unfortunately many times, the relationship does not mature beyond that.   The mothers many times are subjected to poverty because in many cases, women jobs are lower paying jobs and they lack the financial support of the fathers of their children.  Women sometimes hang on to dysfunctional relationships out of financial necessity or develop another relationship with a second father to a second child, then maybe a third and the cycle continues. Belize also has a lot of failed or failing marriages.  Couples are legally married but dating outside their married relationship creating further contention within the homes where children are. Children see these dysfunctional relationships and accept it as normal and so a cycle of dysfunction is created and the idea of family is distorted into shallow sexual encounters and we end up creating unhealthy, sometimes traumatic atmospheres for our children.

Many times failed or failing marriages, broken relationships, dysfunctional relationships with mounting financial burdens create families that are stressed, violent and neglectful to children. The idea of the protective family that fosters the child growth is retarded by the reality of the situation.

Many of our kids in Belize also have no positive male role models in their lives. Many men in Belize spend the weekends drinking with their friends or chasing their sweethearts and do not use the weekend to bond with their children and build strong family foundations.  Many men have limited or no relationship with the children scattered around Belize with different women.  If they have several mothers for their children, another area of contention is created as the women live in constant odds with each other.

Many of our young girls are caught up in sexual relationships too young with older men.  Men target these young girls in full view, with silent approval and with the full knowledge of communities.  Young girls engaging in early sexual activity leads to pregnancy, poor choices in men, poor education and the perpetuation of the brutal cycle of poverty.

Poverty forces women and men to work longer hours to provide basic necessities. The children many times are left unsupervised or in the care of children not much older for hours on end.  This cycle of poverty and abuse shatters the image of a nostalgic Belize and paints a picture of a neglected population that brought us to this mess we are witnessing today.

Mental health problems created by years of emotional abuse are reduced to “crazy” in our society and we refrain from seeking the help and expertise of mental health professionals. We do not use counselors effectively to treat many of the underling problems our youths face.  We really don’t have a handle and understand how these environments can create serious mental problems we see prevalent in our society…

 

As a society we are contributing to our demise.  We somehow think spending an hour in church; one day a week,  reciting pre-formulated prayers and dropping money in the collection plate makes us Christians with a guaranteed space in heaven.  We drive or walk to church oblivious to the poverty and neglected population. We stay on our knees crying out to Jesus and God questioning the wrath we see on our society.  But did God cause this wrath or did we?

The Catholic Church is of the richest and most prominent churches in Belize. If you also include the Anglican, Methodist, Nazarene, Mormons, Evangelicals, all these entities have church buildings or schools in all these poverty stricken areas but don’t seem to move their congregations to act outside of the school or church and reach out into the poor surrounding neighborhoods. Our prominent politicians and Bourgeoisie all attend these churches in Belize; yet it seems they all suffer the same level of apathy in response to poverty.  Belize churches can be best described as “preaching to the saved” when they really should be seeking new souls to save.  Mein we gat church da Belize but no moral compass it seems.  Our churches are sitting idly, telling people to anticipate the Rapture, scaring congregations with tales of a fiery pit; judging other people souls to hell but yet do nothing to address poverty, the major issue affecting our community and one of the most consistent and prominent message from Jesus.

Matthew 25:34-36 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”  Where is the Christian in action? The Christian who realizes God has empowered you with eyes to see the despair, noses to smell it, a heart to empathize, hands to reach out, money to feed and a conscience to know better.  The Christian who knows that small acts of kindness is more important that prayers and condemnation.  Where is the Christian of action I ask again?

How does a country rich in resources, mineral and land have so much poverty? The answer may lie in the blatant and wanton corruption occurring; the outright stealing of public funds and resources by those entrusted to protect it. The consistent misappropriation of the taxpayer dollar diverted into the pockets of custom officers, immigration officers, traffic officers, magistrates, police officers and just about every revenue-collecting source in Belize.  The Ministers who are misusing and abusing their authority through nepotism and cronyism. Public officers spending most of their workday, NOT working.  The failure to hold people accountable for the positions they have and the crimes they commit; the open affiliations with gangsters and drug dealers by our highest officials. When will these behaviors become so reprehensible that we will no longer tolerate it?

Sad to say, we do not have nation builders as our elected officials. In the past 30 years, we have elected the same jackasses who continuously play musical chairs in the House of Representatives.  In the past 30 years, both parties have promised to clean up the dirt and corruption plaguing our society and have failed miserably doing so. What do we expect when they they refuse to clean up the dirt in their own parties and keep putting their names up for elections.  The politicians know we live in a society of no accountability so they fear no repercussion for the outright lies they tell Belizeans. They lack integrity and the only God they worship is money.  Our politicians fight each other and divide us to become elected to benefit their personal businesses, family members, friends, and personal wealth. I imagine it would be difficult to build a nation, create opportunities, and create an outlet from poverty when the main concern is self-interest and self -preservation.

I want Belizeans to remember this: No political party in Belize is all evil or all good. As Belizeans we need to stop buying that divide nonsense they keep selling us.  There are good and bad people in all political parties. We need to let go of party affiliation and start building the nation of Belize.  We can no longer pretend to be a Christian Society if we do not act Christ like; we can no longer pretend we care but ignore poverty and suffering daily; we can no longer pretend we want change when we openly affiliate and celebrate with high level criminals destabilizing our country; we can no longer pretend we don’t have serious problems. The future of Belize will need every Belizean to become community minded, nation builders with a purpose higher than self-interest. We need to have a strong identity of people who are willing to protect our most vulnerable citizens…our children.

 

 

 

I pretend not to see what is in front of me

I make up excuses and reasons why it doesn’t involve me

I hear of an acquaintance, a friend, a name, but it is not me

I hear a knock next door and I see my neighbor carried away, it is not me

I want to do something but doing nothing is okay with me

I cry and pray everyday it is not me

Now it comes knocking for me

I look around at reflections of me telling themselves- at least it is not me

 

Ms. June Heusner- Making a difference by: Aria Lightfoot

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Belize is faced with the most turmoil I can remember since Independence.  Some people have predicted a dire future for our youths and country. Sometimes it may appear in the backdrop of a diminished economic climate, wavering values, corruption and a failing justice system the future seems uncertain.  However, as long as there is life there is hope. There are people who are fighting for Belize.  There are grass root activists in our communities whose work goes unnoticed, unappreciated or under-appreciated.

This month on Twocanview, I want to highlight an unsung Belizean hero, a fighter, an advocate, a mother, grandmother, godmother and second mother to many people who have the opportunity to know her.  I would like to introduce you to Ms. June Heusner.  A woman I admire immensely and have adopted as my second mother.  A woman ions ahead of her time, a trailblazer in her own right.

Ms. June, as she is affectionately known, has that special something.  She is a Belizean patriot, She has a passionate love for Belize, she is genuine, she is a fighter and she believes in her causes.  She is a community leader, she is respected by just about everyone in my generation and almost every resident of Belmopan has encountered Ms. June Heusner through her many hats she has worn throughout the years.

If you are not from Belmopan, you probably have never heard of Ms. June Heusner.  A very jovial, caring, passionate soul; a single mother who successfully raised four daughters on her own and a political secret weapon for the United Democratic Party in Belmopan.

Ms. June was not always the community activist.   She was a secretary in the Public Service and a young single mother with 3 daughters. She recalls being a card holding member of the PUP in her teenage years but defected during Heads of Agreement of 1981.  Her decision to take a moral and patriotic stand during time and protest the controversial agreement cost Ms. June her job, some associates and friends in Belmopan, a predominantly conservative public service community.   It was brave of her to step outside her comfort zone, risk her job security, friends,  and future to fight for what she deeply believed in.  That moment in Belize’s history sparked something in Ms. June that lives today.  Today Belizeans may be faced with a similar quandary with the ICJ vote.

As a community activist, Ms. June’s fulfillment is increasing the quality of life of those around her.  She has contributed immeasurably to the youth population in Belmopan.  She spearheaded Brownies, the Girl Guides, Rangers, and she formulated the most fun and positive youth group of my generation. She has been on the Board of RECONDEV in Belmopan; Manager of Convention Hotel and today she is manager, owner and operator of “Sunshine” daycare where she has provided and still providing care for hundreds of Belmopan children.

Ms. June’s daughter, Tiffany, recounted fond memories when they were in Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers. Ms. June would raise funds to take them camping in different places in Belize. They would visit Mountain Pine Ridge, the Caves, Orange Walk, and Corozal. She recalls getting to places in cane trucks and pick up backs…Ms. June had them performing community services and organizing rallies. Ms. June’s energy was endless and positive.

I recall in my teenage days in Belmopan, Ms. June would have us painting the hospital, tree stumps, planting, beautifying Belmopan; visiting Salvapan (now Maya Mopan), when it was nothing but a trail into bushes, so we could to help families who were destitute.  My first summer job was working with Ms. June.  Every year as a teenager, Ms. June would take our youth group to St. George’s Caye for an unforgettable Easter week.  Ms. June would raise funds; reach out to just about every person she knew to make the trip happen. One year we went to Belize City in a big dump truck, and then one of her fishermen brothers took us out to the Cayes. Out at the Cayes, we had no running water, no toilets, no electricity, no stove or refrigerator- and it was the best week of our lives. Writing this piece I realize Ms. June kept quite a few youths involved in so many projects that we did not have time to become bored and menaces.

In 1992 Ms. June introduced me to the political arena, a place I find much fascination. She had me on the campaign trails, attending conventions, speeches, and going door-to-door campaigning.  Her energy and drive is contagious.  The small unprofessional team worked hard and planned their campaign strategy while I listened with amazement. It felt like a race, the rush of being involved. This campaign trail experience was priceless. Our candidate won by one vote.

Ms. June is a straight shooter and has gained the trust of many who reach out to her  for her advice.  I believe she was pivotal in John Saldivar winning the General Election of 2012.  Many Belmopan residents I spoke to see John as arrogant and aloof, but Ms. June counters that with a proven trust she has earned in different sectors in the Belmopan Community over her many years of community activism.  I recall on election night I was sitting in Belmopan at Ms. June’s house as she celebrated the win of the UDP.  That night, John became unreachable by phone, John did not take the time that night to thank her or her campaign team, immersed deeply in his victory I guess.

Speaking to Ms. June, she utters some disappointments in the way she is treated at times but she remains a faithful soldier to the cause.  I would tease Ms. June and tell her that she should be living in a big house, with lots of money- but I know Ms. June does not do what she does for personal gain.  She has children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A future of opportunities is what she wants for her children. Ms. June also believes that women are important in our society.  Women raise children and are the hallmark of many families; a woman’s self-esteem is key to providing a strong family unit and building our future in Belize.

Ms. June taught me very important lessons.  The love of Belize is key to build it; youths are important and they can make a difference, the love of people regardless of their standing in society, and spirit of perseverance.  Ms. June never expects anything in return and for the most part, she gets nothing tangible. However, Ms. June beams with pride when any of her hundreds of kids achieves, or make a difference in society; she bawls when any of her kids passes away, like Keino recently.

I have tremendous admiration for Ms. June Heusner.  In our society we don’t realize the people who are always doing for the simple fact that they are always doing.  We don’t realize their impact because they continue to silently toil; we don’t appreciate their efforts because we don’t care; we don’t say thank you because we think they are obligated. Well thank you Ms. June Heusner for all you have contributed to Belmopan, you are appreciated and loved by many who know you.   Irrespective of your political, religious or social leanings, you can make an impact in your community and Ms. June proves it daily. “A small act of kindness is more powerful than a thousand bowed head in prayers.

House for Rent in San Ignacio, Belize – $700.00 BZD per month

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Hello fellow Belizeans!  3-bedroom house for rent in downtown San Ignacio, Belize. Recently renovated and ideally located at the corner of West Street and George Street. Semi-furnished (stove, fridge, beds, etc.). Available April 1 2013. Rent $700.00 per month plus utilities. Please email pfrutos@yahoo.com for more details. Serious Inquiries Only!

house for rent

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Children of Hope Foundation making a difference in Belmopan

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I am excited to introduce you to an organization making a difference in the lives of our youths in Belize,  It is called the Children of Hope Foundation in Belmopan.

According to Mrs. Sandra Hall, who is a board member of the Children of Hope Foundation and The Belmopan Int’l Women’s Group, The Children of Hope Foundation (COHF) in Belmopan was founded by a Belizean who returned from the US to retire in Belmopan.  The organization sends 195 children to school (primary through high school) through a sponsorship programme funded mainly by donors in the US. The COHF has since constructed “Heart House” where the children go to after school and are tutored by a few members of the Board. The children come mainly from the San Martin, Salvapan, Mopan area of Bmp and from villages like St. Matthews. It is a very successful programme. The Belmopan Int’l. Women’s Group supports the COHF with monthly financial donations (through fund-raisers) to assist with transportation costs and lunches for those children who commute from the villages. The website can be located at childrenofhopebelize.org. http://childrenofhopebelize.org

There are many ways to help this organization remain successful. You can become a sponsor or participate in different ways as needed. Sponsorship information is below:

information below adapted from website: 

 BECOME A PART OF A CHILD’S LIFE IN BELIZE. SPONSOR A CHILD FOR SCHOOL.

All children must pay to go to school, so please help us help many children get an education. Please contact us for information on children who need sponsors for the 2012-2013 school year. Fees have to be paid by June, 2012.

This is a schedule of the yearly cost for each grade. Sponsorship provides school fees, a backpack, and school supplies/books.
$125 U.S. – Infant I & II and Standard I & II (First 4 years of school)
$145 U.S. – Standard III & Standard IV (5th & 6th Grades)
$155 U.S. – Standard V (7th Grade)
$175 U.S. – Standard VI (8th Grade)
$400 U.S. – High School (per year for 4 years)

Sponsors in the U.S. mail checks to:
Uraina Kalisek
P.O. Box 1401
Richmond, TX 77406-1401
In Belize, mail check to:
Uraina Kalisek
P.O. Box 166
Belmopan, Belize

Who was Keino Quallo? by Aria Lightfoot

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Keino

Who was Keino Quallo?  Many people see a black unshaven face and a headline.  “Four Gangbangers brutally murdered”. He matches what people think a “gang” banger looks like.  They have no idea of who he is or where he came from, what led him down his path. All people know and feel is that they are stricken by fear because of violence. Any solution, even state-sanctioned murder, is an acceptable solution. The thinking is, he was a menace to society – so who cares, he probably have killed many more people and getting his just desserts.

Not so fast…

I met Keino in High School.  I must have been about 14 years old, my second year in High School and he was one year ahead.  Keino arrived in Belmopan with such notoriety.  He was arrested in the U.S. for drug trafficking at the age of 15 years old. His father was a well-known attorney, Glenford Quallo, was recently murdered.

Keino popularity grew fast at Belmopan Comprehensive School. He was charming, articulate, athletic, tall, and very intelligent.  He was a snappy dresser and carried himself with a lot of confidence, therefore the women flocked him.  We became friends because my best friend was dating his friend at the time.

I found him very interesting.  His experiences and world -view and his perspective on different issues. He was, if I recall, a die-hard PUP supporter and in my mix of friends we had both die- hard PUP and UDP supporters. Our discussions would range from politics to law to life.  My God we were only 15 at the time!  We also shared sports in common.  We both played basketball and played on the school teams so we travelled all over Belize playing sports.

About a year into our friendship, we started dating.  He was a generous and extremely loving boyfriend and my parents would have none of it.  He gave me  gifts that I had to return a day after it was given.  My mom was concerned about his reputation and well my dad probably would not have approved even if Jesus were the suitor. In Belize, there really are no rooms for mistakes or second chances. I would fiercely defend him to my mom because I knew him far more than the reputation that followed him.

We became very close when my mother got sick.  He was truly my rock during that very difficult time in my life.  We would study together, have future plans and we trusted each other.

Maybe my mother’s death signaled a change in our relationship. Maybe death had him reflecting on the death of his father and changed him. He reflected often in his life.  If wishes could come true, his father would still have been around.

At this time we were both a SJC 6th form.  I remember passing all my CXCs and he thought that I always seem to have successes and he seems to be marred with failure. I was too young to understand how much of a deep thinker he was.  His observation not a jealous thought, but he felt that society would not think he was somewhat good enough…eventually; I began to see changes in him.  He drew back. He did not want to ruin my future he claimed.    He began showing signs of depression and he decided he would push me away, flaunted other girls until we eventually broke up.  Depression is quite common in young men at this age I have learned.

We kept our distance from each other.  We both moved on with life, and then one day I heard he was shot based on an argument he had with someone. I called his mom and Keino and I reconnected as friends only.  Did he go back and shoot that person. NO HE DID NOT.  Isn’t that what a gang banger would do?

Keino grew up on George Street.  He made friends with many of the young men of that area. He became a youth officer because he recognized the neglect in opportunities afforded to them.  He reached out to many people who today are probably calling for the death of these young men because they thought they thought he was wasting his time. He was empathetic; he was a loving person and may have been the least materialistic person I know.

In 2001, I moved from Belize to pursue my studies in the U.S.  I would call him on his birthday each year or call him when I visited Belize just to see what he was up to.  I didn’t call him for the past two years and thought about it. I thought, I should never ignore a birthday because what if it was his last, an unfortunate prediction on my part.

I began hearing disturbing reports from friends and family members that he was having mental issues. I recall he had a confrontation with his stepfather, however when I called him and asked him about it, he seemed quite lucid to me and his perspective made sense.  He said, people have determined he has a mental problem so whatever he says or does, he is not taken seriously and they have already determined he is mental. . He spent the time during our conversation reflecting quite a bit.   I tried to tell him, he has to look forward and stop focusing so much on a past he cannot change.  I felt like the past was in his head stuck on replay.

The last time I spoke to him, it was a very good conversation and it was mostly him reminiscing about high school.

About two years ago, I heard he got arrested for weed and I tried to reach out to him but could not find him.  I think he knew I would be giving one of my famous lecture speeches and probably was not up to hearing it.  He did tell my family and friends to tell me hello each and every time he saw them, except on Saturday before he died. My brother and another friend both described him as walking around totally out of it and walking around barefooted.  Not the image of the gang-banger I imagine.

Keino was not an angel, he paid the price and was repeatedly judged from one big mistake he made as a youth. He experienced a tragic event that unraveled his life.   He lost the male figure to direct his path.  He got lost.

Belize is a country of no second chances.  It almost seems that your fate is sealed if you make a mistake to be forever identified by such a mistake until you become the exact person everyone says you are.

So here I am standing up once again for my friend. I know he would never take another life just knowing the pain he went through when his father’s life was taken.  I know he would defend me if the tables were turned. He was a kind, empathetic soul who got lost in mental illness and poor choices of friends.

Unfortunately, to many he is merely a black face who looks like a gangbanger, so who cares he has a teenage daughter reading their hurtful comments. Who cares he has family and friends that love him; who cares that no one has presented any proof he was involved in gang activities, who cares that many of our lost young men work for the same people you would deem respectable?

We in Belize have become a society so gripped in fear of the monsters we help create that we are willing to sign away our liberties, we celebrate rumors of police involvement to eradicate these monsters, gang-bangers, in our short sighted approach to a solution, failing to realize we are creating bigger, more dangerous and more power monsters.

Rest in Peace my friend, God is your only judge and God sees and knows all.  Your heart is pure; your spirit left us long before your body did and now sleep with no more pain.

 

No Nonsense or Just No Sense- Things That Make You Go Hmmmmmmmmmmm by FAC

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Turning Treasure to Trash

Soooooooo…what do we think bout this picture???? It certainly does make a bold statement. I’m gonna guess the Minister wanted to convey that illegal cutting/transportation/selling of rosewood will not be tolerated. On the other hand, this idea that the wood had to be burned because nobody could be trusted to store it properly kinda STANDS OUT MORE. There must be some policy already in place to deal with confiscated goods, yes???? And if there is to be an investigation, why burn the evidence? And why not turn around and use this wood for some other purpose?? Furniture in a museum….material for some artist????

Daily Dingleberry 01-11-13 For the Slow and Stubborn

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GET THE FACTS, MAX

Ok. I really am getting tired of being targeted just because I ask for evidence. I have no problem asking the hard questions and socking it exactly where it belongs. But PLEASE do not get uppity when I ask for proof. Spreading rumours and crazy conspiracy theories will not help anything. That is just irresponsible. You can not say you love this country and its people when you engage in rumour mongering and propaganda. That obscures the real efforts to find the truth. Do you hear me???????  Our biggest problem is collection of evidence. While we are spreading rumours about how much the gang leaders were paid off, from $1500 each plus room and board to $40,000 each, where the hell is your concern for the murdered men???? You should be yelling and screaming about how the crime scene was handled. You should be yelling and screaming about how the bloody coroner might not have run tox screens or how he keeps giving different times of death…THAT is the concern here! Without evidence, none of this matters! Focus people. But see. That’s just it, right? You don’t really care about justice. You care more about causing hysteria and furthering your political agendas.

 

L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P

Find out what it means so you can show some.

You need to find out who did this because either way, it is the signal of greater changes to come.  If it is an international cartel, you have a serious problem you have not even begun to understand. If it is a state hit, you need to realize that miscarriage of justice is NEVER ok, no matter how much disregard you have for alleged criminals. Our justice system is in shreds. Nothing good can ever happen as long as we keep chasing our tails instead of real hard truth.

Daily Dingleberry 01-10-13 Is Whe Dis?

/ Twocanview LLC / 3 Comments

400041_488048217903346_473731799_nWhat’s all this about Micah Goodin? From all appearances, he di “Du Di Rait Ting”. He is President of the Student Council at SJCJC, Teen Belize Organization’s Personality of the Month, founder of A.R.M.E.D, a program aimed at mentoring young people, and the list goes on. One side says it is a simple matter of the scholarship program “Du Di Rait Ting” running out of funding BUT don’t you know how much money you have for scholarships BEFORE you give them out? Some say he took too long to complete his program and his share ran out. Others say it is retaliation, plain and simple for speaking out against Patrick Faber’s initiative to cut government subsidies of student fees. In any case, it would seem that he should not be left in the cold and he won’t be. Already, the Rotary Club and Kremandala have stepped forward to offer assistance.

Things that make you go “What?”