TWO Missing Belizean Children- please share with everyone.

07/21/201307/21/2013 / Twocanview LLC / 1 Comment

Missing: Fanny Romero – girl

Missing: Jairo Romero – boy

Name of Parent: Felix Romero

Missing From Cowpen Area, Stann Creek District, Belize Central America

Last Seen: Wednesday July 17, 2013

Reports: Reports of two children of similar Description with older man in Western Belize however Belize is small so they could be in any area of Belize.

Please look at these children faces carefully. Many times the kidnapper may attempt to change appearances by cutting hair or changing clothes. Please be on the look out and if you see anything suspicious:

call the nearest police station by dialing 911

or call ( 011-501)-624-4051.

Jairo and Fanny Romero

Urgent Disease Warning!!!! – Aria Lightfoot

07/12/2013 / Twocanview LLC

News has reached twocanview.com of a dangerous and highly contagious disease afflicting Belizeans. The disease is said to cause delusions, fear of fire and confusion. Reports keep pouring in of numerous victims who have lost their abilities to think, reason and read independently; many victims are reportedly showing signs of anger, self hate, guilt, loss of compassion. Many are said to promote hate and violence. Some victims are said to become fixated on issues like sex and the personal lives of others while ignoring their own lives. Some are said to become domineering and scary. Lying, distortion and twisting of information are not far-fetched and have been identified in many victims. Some are said to act like robots and keep quoting selective biblical lines…Many only respond when like victims are in the vicinity. Some attack rabidly if you try to reason. A few are suspected of trying to take over Belize and politics. Many fear this new disease is hard to treat because it hides in its hosts under the guise of Christianity, Hell and Fear. No one knows why some victims succumb and others are immune.. The disease is reportedly the Dominion Rising of evangelism. We will try to keep you informed of new developments…but we are losing thinking people daily… This message will self destruct in 3….2….1….

Adopt-A-School… and change the lives of children in Belize…Event POSTPONED!!!

06/25/201307/02/2013 / Twocanview LLC

U P D A T E !!!!!!

Belize Association of Central Florida (BACF) EVENT THIS SATURDAY

Due to concerns about the inclement weather forecasted for the Central Florida area, BACF has decided to postpone the Adopt a School Fund Raiser planned for this weekend.

Please look out for the rescheduled date in the near future.

If you have any questions please email belizeacf@yahoo.com

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

BACF

Send all inquiries to belizeacf@yahoo.com or like us and follow us on facebook at Belize Assc Central Florida

YOU BETTA BELIZE IT!!!

Look out for a follow up event in August…

Sheree’s Dream – Lets Adopt a Classroom or School!

06/05/2013 / Twocanview LLC / 10 Comments

Early this year Sheree Arnold approached me with a novel idea- Lets Adopt a Classroom. I really loved this idea. Many Schools in the US are getting rid of the Valedictorian System and implementing a Cum Laude System instead. It is a system that rewards many children instead of just one child. This Adopt a Classroom or School is something like that, it benefits many kids instead of just one.

I have personally sponsored a child in Belize thru Restore Belize and while it is fulfilling to be able to help a child see a child progress, I actually like Sheree’s proposal better. Instead of benefitting one child, let’s enhance all their learning experiences.

Here is a bit of the history behind the idea.

Two years ago Sheree ‘s sister passed away in Belize leaving behind her children, two of which are young children still in primary school and in the care of an older sibling. Sheree is now financially supporting her niece and nephew. It was the first time she was confronted with the struggles children in Belize are encountering in the educational system.

Sheree’s nephew is struggling with reading. One day her older niece decided to visit the classroom and sit in with her younger brother’s class to see what a day of school was like for him. She reported to Sheree that many other children in the class were facing the same predicament. Poor reading skills, lack of supplies and an overwhelmed and under equipped school to handle the special needs and supplies for children. Some kids are kicked out of class for not being able to purchase supplies. This is outrageous!

Sheree decided to shop at the discount stores in the U.S and ship books to alleviate her nephew’s struggles with reading. She decided to shop at the dollar store in the United States for books to help with his reading and math skills , she realized that helping her nephew was not sufficient, due to the minimal cost associated with learning materials here in the US, she decided to adopt her nephew’s entire class and also asked a few friends to do the same. She thought the idea could take root among the Belizean American community and Belizeans at home who may have the means to help out.

I personally reached out to several people in Belize who wanted to help and were more than willing to help but organizing such an event would require full time participation. A luxury I don’t have. I felt disappointed.

So I discussed with Sheree and we thought everyone who shares in a dream for a better, restored Belize could begin organizing their own Adopt a Classroom School drives. Lets face it, education is very expensive in Belize. Families complain about spending 300 BZD per child on school supplies that does not include uniform, shoes or lunch money. Walmart and discount stores sell school items for a fraction of the cost in Belize. Belizeans can make a positive difference.

The Belizean Association of Central Florida (BACF) embraced Sheree’s Dream and will be hosting a fundraiser/Picnic on July 6, 2013. I have also shared the idea with several people who are interested in doing something similar. Sheree is hoping this message resonates with our Belizeans home and abroad. While researching online, I found that many schools in the U.S. already have a similar program and depend on the generosity of parents to help out kids who are less advantaged.

The following are some suggestions :

How to Adopt A School or Class Room

Step 1: Identify the School or Classroom you are thinking about adopting, preferable a school whose students are financially challenged.

Step 2: Reach out to the Teacher or Principal for the supply list that each students would normally need

Step 2: Organize your fundraisers and own your adoption.

Ideas for Fundraisers

Idea #1:

Ask your organization such as your workplace or church to allow you a drop box where members can contribute school supplies.

Ask if they would be willing to match a dollar amount for contribute a stated amount.

Idea #2

Have a pool party/BBQ or get-together and ask your friends to provide school supplies when they come over

Idea#3

Start Collecting School Supplies today at any discount store

Idea #4

Organize with neighbors and friends to box items and mail to one of the following Belize Schools via one of the Belizean operated Shipping agents:

Idea #5

Have a bake sale and use all proceeds to buy classroom or school supplies.

Come on my fellow Belizeans and friends of Belizeans we have all summer to work on this idea- It will be fun, it will be productive and we can make a difference in lives of our future leaders in Belize. Let’s organize and educate Belize. Please become part of the movement of positive changes and share with your friends and family.

Time for open hearts, wallets and purses….Be Inspired!

05/31/2013 / Twocanview LLC

Your opinion counts!

01/29/2013 / Twocanview LLC / 5 Comments

How did we get here? by: Aria Lightfoot

01/28/2013 / Twocanview LLC / 3 Comments

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

01/22/2013 / Twocanview LLC / 5 Comments

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

01/20/201302/27/2013 / Twocanview LLC / 2 Comments

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!