Time for open hearts, wallets and purses….Be Inspired!
Belizean Politics
Assumption and presupposition regarding Belize future by: Nuri Akbar
The final major attempt at settling Guatemala’s unfounded claim to Belize came in the form of a document called the “Heads of Agreement” in 1981. This culminated in nation wide paralyzing strikes and national convulsion. From time immemorial a claim/threat by a militaristic and aggressive garrison state upon the territorial integrity of another nation, regardless of how small or large, would naturally serve as a unifying force among the people of the target threat. However, this was not the synergy that reverberated across the nation of Belize leading up to its independence on September 21st 1981, and it has not currently manifested itself as we are confronted in the latest ICJ plot. The British colonial rulers not only divided the people of Belize geographically, but racially, culturally, religiously and politically. This model of course, was perfected by the British and they carried out this strategy for more than five hundred years across the globe as they wage war, rape, pillage, enslaved and committed genocide upon the darker people of the earth. Belize was no exception to this rule.
The current ICJ scheme has been packaged and marketed as a “legal issue” for mass consumption. Yet at the foundation of this land claim is geopolitics and natural resource that has become more urgent for trans national corporations (TNC’s) who are the extended tentacles of an unbridled, consuming, neoliberal economic system that has become globally unsustainable. As Belizeans we make the assumption that the men and women who are selected to represent us in political office are informed and knowledgeable of certain vital issues that ares critical to our nation very survival. But this is an assumption we make at our own peril. We are arguing that historically in Belize from the inception of our nationalist movements, these independence movements evolve as dependent nationalism. While the term may appear contradictory, it is a reflection of the extent and degree political developments in peripheral countries like Belize are constrained by economic and political forces of the center. Thus as a consequence our local political directorate’s indoctrination and orientation is to look outward for assistance in their struggle with the metropole without first and foremost build internally those resource necessary to confront the center. Hence, despite a century old claim upon the country of Belize by a proven genocidal aggressor, various local regimes initiated zero sustained process of educating the people about the issues and forces that confront them and the near and present dangers. The circumference of our thinking has permeated around the idea that salvation will come from outside rather than from the development of political bases from within the nation state.
This dependent and decrepit view of our existence has essentially shaped our entire national development and foreign relations, or lack thereof. Various prominent political representatives regurgitated the age old claim that in order for the nation to achieve development it has to attract capital from abroad, coupled with the never ending barrowing which lead to a permanent state of servitude/slavery to the lending institutions. The inability to recognized the human capital and potential from among the very people they lead and the extended natural resource the country possessed as a foundation for national development, has perpetuated a state of perennial poverty and underdevelopment. This type of paradigm shift will not come out of the two main political entities in Belize that has become inseparable from the crippled system of governance. In many respect they have a vested interest in maintaining things as they are, and thus cannot be expected to become true and authentic agents for political, social and economic transformation. This will have to be the outgrowth of a people’s centered mass movement cemented in a clairvoyant vision of allegiance to the nation state.
The debt burden of our country has been shifted to future generations of Belizean, and our unjust land distribution system remain unchanged since the days of British colonialism. The type of radical transformation that is required to begin a process of changing the top down model of governance must be rooted in the communities and principalities of the people. As mentioned earlier our people were never empowered with the knowledge of self and benefitted from popular education that ties them to the land and agriculture, which is the engine of civilization. While all our people to one degree or another have been deeply affected by colonial education, black Belizeans are currently living out the most graphic effects via fratricide and gentrification. We remain essentially a fragmented people with each group nibbling around the edges but lacking the ability to create a national movement with clear goals and objectives. These challenges are not unique to Belize but are common place everywhere the British had meddled.
When war and revolution was engulfing the isthmus, Belize used to pride itself as the only haven of peace and tranquility. We knew little or nothing as to why our brothers and sisters were waging violent struggles in their respective countries. Yet these revolutions were born out of decades of exploitation, injustice, corrupted regimes, brutality and genocides. Those of you who believe that Belize is fine as it is and there is no need for a fundamental structural shift, should take heed of the warning signs. Those who make peaceful revolution impossible shall make violent revolution inevitable.
How to deal with Stress.
Just thought I would share-
Stress may be inevitable. But how you deal with it is largely up to you. Here are some tools to help you manage the stress in your life.
It seems like everyone is stressed out these days – from your co-workers, to your friends, to the person standing next to you in line.
Stress, by itself, isn’t necessarily bad. Low or even moderate amounts of stress can be good for us, provided we manage it in healthy ways. But poorly managed stress can take a toll. Heart disease, fatigue, and obesity are just a few of the potential consequences.
If stress is bothering you, consider the following 10 ways to regain control:
- Recognize your symptoms. Your signs of stress may be different from someone else’s. Some people get angry. Others have trouble concentrating or making decisions. Some feel worried or depressed. For some, stress leads to physical symptoms such as headache, back pain, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping.
- Identify the sources. What situations trigger your stress? Among other things, your stress may be linked to your family, health, work, or personal relationships. Keep in mind that stress is often caused by a change in your life, negative or positive. Marriage, divorce, job loss, or a promotion may all increase stress.
- Evaluate your coping strategies. Examine the ways in which you deal with situations that cause you stress. Responses like smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating too much may feel good in the short run, but they can cause long-term harm.
- Learn to say ‘no.‘ Sometimes the best way to deal with unnecessary stress is to avoid it. Know your limits, and refuse to take on more responsibilities than you can handle.
- Plan ahead. Don’t let your to-do list get out of control. Think about your day, and decide which tasks are the most important. Do those items first. Let other tasks drop to the bottom of – or even off – your list.
- Create time to relax. It’s not always easy, but it’s important to make time for yourself. Take vacations or other breaks. Make time to read a good book, listen to music, watch a comedy, or just have a warm cup of tea. Some people find deep breathing exercises helpful for relieving stress.
- Exercise regularly. A brisk walk, a bike ride, and a trip to the gym are just some of the physical activities that can help prevent or reduce stress. Aim to get 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise each week. Talk to your doctor before increasing your activity level.
- Eat healthfully. Eating balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day will help you cope with stress by keeping you energized and focused. Also, cut back on caffeine. You’ll feel more relaxed and will likely sleep better.
- Talk to family and friends. Simply talking with supportive people can often bring stress relief, even if the stressful situation doesn’t change. By the same token, limit the time you spend with people who only add to your stress.
- Get help. If stress seems overwhelming, consider talking to a mental-health professional. He or she can offer healthy stress-busting techniques.
The Guatemalan Claim is being legitimized with the help of Belize by: Aria Lightfoot
Today, this is the OFFICIAL MAP of BELIZE
Guatemala claim to Belize
It seems to me that Belize got Set up, Swindled and Hoodwinked, …before the suggestion to take Guatemalan’s claim to the ICJ , it seemed to be going well for Belize Internationally. We had our issues but we were developing…Guatemala for the most part was not an issue for us and the Guatemalan claim for Belize was dying a natural death; I would argue that any claim by Guatemala in the world arena would be seen ridiculous as the world has given Belize LEGITIMACY in every world organization….
Lo and Behold, enter the brilliant yet inept legal minds in Belize, the ones who bill our taxpayers for self benefiting pursuits, the same brilliant legal minds who have yet to effectively address or solve our internal failing justice systems, decides to become legal super heroes and take up a centuries old issue and solve a claim already settled with our induction into the U.N. They agreed and signed a contract, without any previous consultation with the Belizean people, to risk our sovereignty. They ask Belizeans NOW to trust them, and vote yes for our future to be determined by Judges who could care less how their vote affect us. A vote where ONLY Belize stands to lose.
Today and 30 plus years after Independence we are being told by the very leaders who have raped our natural resources, our public coffers, enriched their family and friends and sold us out to the highest bidders to trust them wholeheartedly and take Belize claim to the ICJ to establish our already established sovereignty…in their arrogance, unquenchable quest to prove to the world what is already accepted, over-confidence and maybe a sweet lingering anticipation for a Nobel Peace Prize or likely oil and trade contracts to fatten their law firms…. decide to legitimize a dead claim, accept blood money to buy our people the same way they buy votes and citizenship to win elections.
Suddenly Guatemala’s claim comes off life support and becomes relevant once again and as you are witnessing, Guatemala is wasting no time and using it to their advantage to make their public relations argument to the world and likely the ICJ …now it gives Guatemala grounds to make a stand in what was a ridiculous claim. Belize has handed Guatemala legitimacy, simply by agreeing to this nonsense.
In our leaders’ blind trust and more likely love for the European and American money; they push Belize down an amnesic path, forgetting the magnitude of woes Europeans and Americans have created in Belizean society…. Motherland England, Ashcroft, Prosser, McAfee and maybe quite a few unknowns have instrumentally stripped our country of wealth, reputation and democracy with the willing enabling help of the very Bar members arguing for us to go to the ICJ and trying to convince us that they have Belize’s best interest at heart. These agents of first world countries come to Belize and tell us how to think and what is good for us and our misguided leaders drunk in their power, believe they speak for us and saw no need for prior consultation before subjecting the entire country down this path. Our leaders lack foresight by their failure to acknowledge we live in a corporate world, a new world order where governments are nothing more than agents for corporations and oil companies….
Here is a quote from the British Government on the claim:
“The UK is interested in this issue because we are a supporter of strong international institutions such as the ICJ, and regional organisations such as the OAS and SICA. We are keen to see a long term solution that will benefit both Guatemala and Belize, and to support the OAS’s efforts to promote wider regional stability and development. It is also important that Belize and Guatemala resolve their territorial dispute to continue developing regional and economic integration.” source: http://ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/working-with-guatemala/uk-bzgt/
- Let me repeat it, just in case you missed it : “We [Mother England] are keen to see a long term solution that will benefit both Guatemala and Belize
So Now Guatemala is redrawing maps and making a mockery of us. This is exactly what Guatemala wanted all along …a world audience to revitalize an old dying claim and maybe convince the political body of the ICJ to make a “legal” ruling in their favor. One thing I have learned, the dumbest people are the most educated at times. They lose their common sense; they become arrogant trained monkeys who believe a degree gives them superior intellect. They are normally the easiest to prey on because one just needs to pander to their super egos and play up to their elitist perception of intelligence. I pray my Belizeans Vote NO and then put our leaders in check! They work for Belizeans, and they should serve Belize always. Is it possible a deal has already been ironed out and they just need the ICJ to remove culpability from their actions? Belize is NOT for gamble and if one inch of soil or sea is given to Guatemala, Belizeans MUST hold our leaders accountable.
Your opinion counts!
How did we get here? by: Aria Lightfoot
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
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.
Who was Keino Quallo? by Aria Lightfoot
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
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
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.
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