Who is government?

The tragic death of three teenagers in Belize, the “forgery” or likely illegal accommodation of identification cards from the institutions that hold our Belizean identity in trust; the death of thirteen babies in the public hospital; the failure of the police and judiciary to hold more than five percent of criminals accountable; the education system focused only on top performers – pick an issue or scandal and you will likely find several key elements creating problems. Some of those key elements undermining Belize’s governmental system are apathy among Public Officers; non-experts as key decision makers; lack of accountability; a system that discourages meritocracy and a deteriorating moral compass.

In order for us to understand the role of government we must define the players. The major players in government are the public officers. Public officers are duly elected representatives such as your elected area representatives from both parties; appointed citizens chosen by elected officials such as the Governor General, judges, magistrates, senators, CEOs and heads of departments; and general workers and service providers benefiting from public funding thru salaries or service contracts such as teachers, doctors, office workers and contractors.

The job of public officers is to collectively govern the great nation of Belize. In an idealistic environment government has a social and legal contract for which they are remunerated with citizens’ taxes and are constitutionally mandated to uphold, legislate, adjudicate, maintain, uplift, review laws, policies and practices. Government’s responsibility is outlined within the legal framework of the Constitution of Belize. Government provides infrastructure, healthcare, security, education etc. and government maintains institutions, provides services and works for the public good.

The public good is the services/commodities or benefits that is provided for the well-being of the society. A public good should be non-excludable, meaning that all should have access to it and it should be non-rivalrous. The use of public goods by one does not diminish the others use. Examples of public goods are roads and schools.

Why is government failing in Belize?

Government is failing in Belize because there is a key misunderstanding of government’s role and responsibilities by Belizean society. Government in Belize has intentionally been redefined as only encompassing elected/appointed Cabinet members. Government is generally defined as the political party with the most elected seats. I suspect that the redefinition of government is done for two reasons. The elected cabinet uses it to showcase that they are in control of the money, careers and military. Additionally, it allows them to use public funds for political party business without causing outrage by the society. The Opposition uses the same definition to negate their responsibilities and to motivate supporters to fight for the “spoils” of electoral success and undermine the ruling party. Added to the misrepresentation of governmental role is  leadership formed with close blood ties and marital relationships making it increasingly difficult to create a system of meritocracy. Additionally, the current system creates a barrier for ordinary citizens to advance to leadership positions. How can leaders realistically give key positions to the best of the best, when wives, siblings, cousins, children, in-laws have the same motivation?  This plays out in political party leadership and in key appointments.  Sadly , many times, it is not the best who are working key positions but rather the most connected. In a country as small as Belize, the lines are easily blurred between professionalism and nepotism.

Another identifiable problem is the belief that all opinions are equal. In the professional world, opinions are measured through learning and practice. In the TV, radio,  newspaper and social media world,  opinions of the loudest advocates, not necessarily from the most learned advocates,  gets addressed.  There is no  systematic and engineered process to finding solutions  and people who are completely clueless about the mechanics of the system offer strong suggestions that many times override professional opinions and it has  caused the trained public servants to operate in apathetic robotic mode; public servants are often the sacrificial lamb to the whims of electorate opinions and winds of change.

How do we solve this?

Today a doctor posted a meme that said “Your google search cannot replace my medical degree”. It is a profound statement. In today’s information age, there are people who jump on google to engage in epic online battles. They offer opinions backed up by twenty minutes of Google research but they lack the expertise in the subject matter to determine if the information should be treated as credible. They lack the expertise to find credible solutions but they possess the confidence to make suggestions and the louder they speak, the more people attach to their ideas because it sounds right, even when it is completely wrong. The political system that is highly dependent on the voter therefore reacts to public opinion swiftly but moves slowly on expert opinions. Experts have flooded Belize with articles and researches on how to solve some of our pressing systematic problems but there are no evidence of implementation and reports are likely collecting dust  on some non-expert shelf who may not understand how to implement solutions.

Belize is in great need of project managers, engineers, and policy makers to help structure a working system, not just a system a system built on theory, not just a spoils system to reward loyalty but a system to govern legally,  effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately for Belizeans, the role of government cannot continue to function in its present state and it will eventually lead to a complete breakdown of the system. The cracks and leaks of the system are highlighted with each scandal that breaks seemingly on a weekly basis. When one crack is sealed, it creates pressure in another area and it breaks somewhere else.

The third term win for the Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the United Democratic Party will be their toughest term. They are facing a world that is growing weary of corrupted governments worldwide. The first world countries will hold countries like Belize accountable for the breakdown in the system because breakdown in developing countries exposes the first world to terrorism, cyber crime, drug trafficking and money laundering. The casual manner in how we govern makes Belize vulnerable and Belize must take a proactive approach to address this. Public servants must become a professional body built on meritocracy. The average citizen must know that the system works for the average man because they are becoming cynical with the process.  Citizens must trust their government and recent scandals have highlighted a strong distrust and cynicism from electorate. The opposition will need to agitate because they want a better governing system and they must move away from petty, distracted politics. They must rebuild into a party that advocates transparency and accountability by examining their own internal leaks and cracks.  Belize must turn to experts to address this crisis.

The citizens will grow more dissatisfied as these breakdowns continue. The United Democratic Party will be judged now by their merits. There will be no one to blame anymore, so they MUST identify key people to assist with this rebuilding of Belize’s integrity and trust.  The rise of the communication age, people will be able to disseminate and organize and agitate…Democracy is alive and kicking, but we need government- all parties to work!

Jerry Enriquez

A reflection on Garifuna History: After the celebration, what next?

Garifuna Settlement Day, which is observed on November 19th each year since 1943 in the southern districts and 1977 countrywide, draws many Belizeans together to celebrate the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize in 1823.

Around 1823, the Spanish republics were preoccupied with endless cycles of civil wars, assassinations attempts and revolutions. Around that time most Garinagu and their communities were (and still are) found in these republics, their population having spread across the region ever since their banishment from their homeland, St. Vincent in 1797 – about twenty five years earlier. 1823 was also the pivotal year in which the short-lived Federal Republic of Central America (then, a single nation comprising of the provinces of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) declared itself independent of Mexico.

The fear of persecution and the mere business of keeping alive within that environment of bloody revolution, necessitated the mass migration of Garinagu to join others who were already peacefully residing south of the Sibun River.

Each year, the celebrations seem to have drowned the fact that the mass migration of Garinagu in 1823 was really not their first arrival to Belize. As noted in Sir John Alden Burdon’s Archives of British Honduras Vol 2 : 1801 -1840, the decision to formally admit the first Garinagu into the settlement was made by Superintendent Richard Bassett at a Magistrate meeting held on August 9, 1802.

Nancie Gonzalez’s Sojourners of the Caribbean noted that even as early as 1799 or 1800 Garifuna men were already secretly hired by white timber businessmen to cut mahogany outside the legally designated territory. These men soon became skilled woodcutters and incomparable smugglers. It was most likely that with their assistance, Deep River and the Stann Creek area soon became occupied. That first clandestine arrangement might have provided the impetus for the white timber businessmen to later seek the permission of the Magistrate to import more Garifuna labourers.

With a total population of 2,881 persons in 1802, (of which 735 were free persons and 2,146 enslaved Africans) the settlement of Belize required a much larger labour force to meet the sharp increase in demand for mahogany in the European market.

The remaining strands of mahogany within the established territory north of the Sibun River had been largely depleted and new sources needed to be exploited south of the Sibun River, which was then outside the territory limits that was established by the 1786 Convention of London.

The persistent escape of enslaved Africans from the settlement to nearby territories also compelled the white forestocracy to seek new source of reliable labour. By that time, Garinagu had developed a reputation in the region as exceedingly friendly, energetic, intelligent, reliable and honest hardworking people who had been sought after as labourers in Spanish plantations.

Beginning in late August 1802 and again in December 1802, a total of about 150 Garifuna labourers were shipped from Roatan and neighbouring territories to the settlement of Belize to be employed to cut mahogany. As one of the first free Blacks in the Americas, the Garinagu were not allowed to live in the settlement for fear that they would join forces with the enslaved Africans to foment rebellion. Furthermore, because of their spiritual practices and their history of rebellion they were viewed with fear and great suspicion even while their labour was needed.

Consequently, they were only allowed to live south of the Sibun River where almost all of their communities have remained ever since. Slavery was still in existence then, until the Abolition of Slavery Act was put into force on

August 1, 1834 (over ten years after the mass influx of Garifuna to southern Belize) and the final instalment of Emancipation in 1838.

Only five years earlier, in 1797, the Garinagu were exiled from their homeland of St. Vincent after unsuccessfully attempting to defend their fertile communal lands against the British whose interest was to expand their sugar plantations. Failing to bribe and cajole the Garinagu to give up their lands, the British resorted to military force to engage the Garinagu in all-out war. When the Garinagu refused to surrender, the British hunted them down, burnt their houses and canoes, and destroyed their crops and food.

Between July 1796 and February 1797, about 4,338 Garifuna (mostly women and children) were captured and transported to the barren rock island of Baliceaux. There, about 2,100 died from typhus or yellow fever, which was aggravated by malnutrition.

On March 11, 1797, the 2,238 Garifuna survivors were loaded onto a convoy of eight to ten ships to be banished forever on the island of Roatan, hundreds of miles away. Over two hundred died on that perilous one month voyage. On April 12, 1797, 2,026 Garinagu (664 men and 1,362 women and children) were landed on Roatan and left to the mercy of the elements.

These stalwart ancestors formed the root stock of the estimated 400,000 Garifuna people and their richly unique culture that is predominantly found along the Caribbean coast of Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize.

The arrival of hardworking Garifuna labourers in 1802 significantly impacted the economy of the settlement. Burdon’s Archives of British Honduras, 1801-1840, recorded that the shipment of mahogany rose steeply from 2.1 million board feet in 1802 to 4.5 million board feet in 1803, and 6.5 million board feet in 1804, although there was an unexplained sharp decline to 2.4 board feet occurred in 1805.

The hard labour of enslaved Africans and Garinagu as they roamed through wild jungles to harvest mahogany and other timber, established the foundation of Belize’s early economic history. Such foundation was recognized in Belize’s original Coat of Arms that reflected two Black men. Interestingly, Belize’s national motto, “Sub Umbra Floreo” – meaning under the shade (of the mahogany tree) I flourish – does not reveal who was the “I” who really flourished from their labour.

For well over a century and a half since their first arrival, Garinagu communities were also known to be very productive. Small farms and productive family plots provided food and income for the family. Fishermen harvested enough for their families and for sale in their communities. In the late 1800s several Garifuna farmers were selling bananas and coconuts to steamers from New Orleans for export. From the late 1800s to mid-1900s, the port at Commerce Bight provided a stable source of income for many in Dangriga. With their multi-lingual skills, Garinagu were also known to provide best source of teachers for expanding education to remote areas of Belize. Their vibrant music, dance and food and other aspects of their culture has enriched Belize’s multicultural landscape.

While there is much to celebrate and be thankful for, all is not well in Garifuna (and Black Creole) communities. The emphasis on celebratory drumming and dancing should not overshadow the socioeconomic realities that have persistently threatened the quality of life and positive human values in our communities. After the celebrations, then what?

Indeed, the labour of Garinagu and enslaved Africans in the early settlement of Belize was pivotal to its economic foundation and country’s formation and development. Yet their descendants continue to face increasing threats of economic and social marginalization.

Divisive political party loyalties have not only torn communities apart but have also discouraged any emergence of unifying and transformational leadership. By now it ought to be clear that when one fanatically locks himself or herself into the perspectives of political parties, reactions become predictable, defensive and conflict-ridden. This does not allow for fresh unifying perspectives for building strong, caring and prosperous communities.

Overall a sort of complacency and apathy have set in while issues of discrimination, historically exploitative socio-economic opportunities, high levels of poverty, lack of self-reliant productivity, alienation from resources, alcoholism, poor dietary habits and diabetes, disengaged youths, and conflicting cultural values have all continue to negatively impact Belizean Garifuna communities – as is similarly seen in Garifuna communities in Honduras.

Traditional values and knowledge about ancestral spiritual connections, medicinal plants, natural healing and healthy foods are being lost as many elders remain disconnected from the youths. Caring community relations are increasingly being lost to the onslaught of individualistic, materialistic values that disconnect people from their inner source, their families, communities and natural resources.

This situation can and must change, starting with the awareness the wellbeing of each person is inseparably linked to the wellbeing of all. The timeless values of Garifuna ancestors are embedded in their motto: “Au bu, amürü nu” (I am yours, you are mine). As in in the African spirit of Ubuntu they recognize that, I am only what I am because of all who have contributed to my growth and wellbeing, however insignificant it may seem. The individual, family and community support for the success of each member benefits the community and future generations. Such values can go a long way to return to the path of transformation. And we can’t rely on divisive politics to do this.

Just thinking out loud as the measured rhythmic Garifuna heart drum echoes the beat of our hearts – since Africa and since Yurumein.

The Belize Telecommunications Limited now Belize Telemedia Limited has existed in Belize for decades and arguably one of the highest income/profit generators of any other business entity that currently exists in Belize. The profitability of the BTL has translated into financial and political manipulation resulting in one of the worst parasitic, unscrupulous and corruptive investment environment during the Musa years. The high level of questionable business and legal practices; the backroom wheeling and dealing by Belize’s elected officials; the historical fire sale of BTL’s assets escapes the memory of quite a few people and therefore the discussion has been reduced to sound bites, innuendos and further manipulation of the complex issues.

The previous caretakers had complete and wanton disregard for the people of Belize. A very powerful investor manipulated elected officials into creating an atmosphere of corruption unseen in Belize’s history. So bad was the level of corruption that the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court, used very strong language to describe the secret accommodation agreement. The CCJ described the ministers behavior as “repugnant”. The court further described our political leaders actions as “malignant tumors”, malignant tumors on our democracy potentially setting back Belize’s democracy by some three hundred years. With no shame as to how he acquired BTL, the very same investor represented by prominent politically tied attorneys of the previous adminstration, seemed hell bent at destroying Belize’s economic and investment climate after nationalization. Like a big bully who was put in his place, he had a lot of money, legal prowess and minions to accomplish just that.

The settlement agreement is a very complex issue. Mr. Barrow won a moral victory when he nationalized BTL. However his moral victory still does not satisfy local and international laws. The government would and has been bogged down in litigation for years. Dean Barrow’s choice was either -continue depleting the country’s resources in an unending fight or settle. Most international tribunals prefer settlement. From some indications BTL currently generates over 70 million dollars a year. The Belizean people love to talk and communicate, therefore BTL proves to be a profitable entity. The settlement of 162 million dollars may be a worthy investment for the people of Belize promising to remain for generations. Recall pre-nationalization – the secret accommodation agreement guaranteed a 15% return to the investor whether or not the company made money. So when the union members say that Mr. Barrow is just like Musa- I find their claim incredulously lacking accurate historical comparison. The union’s response is disingenuous, simplistic and political. The publicly worded reaction seemed like a knee jerk emotional tirade of egos and maybe political underpinnings. Election season must be on the horizon and feigned moral anger is brewing at every corner.

While I understand that the union wanted to be part of the negotiations, the reality is that Mr. Dean Barrow represents the citizens of Belize (everyone) and not the union of BTL. BTL does not belong to its employees; BTL belongs to the taxpayers of Belize. There are many people who depend on others to think for them, to explain the issues to them and to accept the information without further research. I implore my readers to research the history of BTL.