Aria Lightfoot

Constitutional Convention – by: Aria Lightfoot on Saturday, 27 August 2011 at 11:59(repost)

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Recently, the idea of a constitutional convention was suggested, I give credit to Mr. Hubert Pipersburg, who is quickly igniting a necessary debate about the effectiveness or lack there of, of our system of governance!

This was something that should have been done back in the early 70s when the writing on the wall indicated that England was ready to kick us out the proverbial nest! If I recall the debate of the time, one party supported it and the other party boycotted the formulation of our constitution in a shortsighted protest that has Belize in this conundrum today!

Today in Belize, one party makes a suggestion and the other party outrightly rejects the idea. Policies are written with no intent to implement, but rather to win elections,  promote political party agendas,  as opposed to national agendas. Boycotting has been the opposition response to controversial legislation and as a result, 30 years of our history is marred with stagnation and an ineffective system of governance.

I love the idea of Mr. Pipersburg’s  convention with one reservation; he called for the convention to be  “the brightest minds in Belize!” Unfortunately for Belize, many of our brightest minds also represent the elites in Belize,  who many times are detached from the struggles of the country;  are themselves the perpetrators of the abuse in the system;  and too politically entrenched to make the convention a worthwhile effort.  I call on suggestions to be induced from all organizations in Belize and a consensus of the masses solicited.  If we are rewriting our constitution we need inclusion.  We need to limit the power of government and empower the masses. We need oversight of the public coffers and give our politicians a mandate, with serious reperccusions for unethical deviation. We need a “bill of rights” to ensure fundamental rights are cemented into our legal framework. We need to remove the “discretion of ministers” and replace it with laws mandating the office they hold. We need representative government and we need to  have equal access and strong protection of our citizenship!

Take heed to the call politicians who shape the divide  our country. The people in Belize are voting for a change in the system! They cannot articulate it, so they keep voting parties in  or out on promises of change! Recognize that the populace wants equality and access and an opportunity to enjoy the spoils of the country.  Recognize it before our change is shaped by the people calling for violent revolution! Get off your tax payers’ educated butts, tax payers’ financed lifestyles and do something meaningful for the country of Belize!  Let’s create a Belize for all Belizeans…

Is it a calling or just in it for the money by: Hubert Pipersberg

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Is it a calling or just in it for the money

This underscores the point that we have been discussing on social media for awhile now. The
system is in need of serious structural reforms. Insanity is define as doing the same thing over
and over and expects to get different results. Public service is a choice that one makes and it
comes with certain sacrifices. It’s a given that one’s compensation will not reflect that of the
private sector, The public sector and the so called third sector(non-profit) will never be able
to compete compensation wise with the private sector. The reason is that in public service the
compensation is under-written by taxpayers the government gets its money from tax collection
unlike a business that operates for profit. One enters public service with the assumption that you
are serving the public good. You are doing so strictly for altruistic reasons. It is suppose to be
a calling to service higher than yourself. What better way to make a meaningful contribution to
society via public service? The goal becomes blurred when we expect more out of public service
than what the stated results can give. Having said that, how do we determine compensation?
Aligning it with the cost of living would be a start. Offer civil service protection with built in due
process to protect from arbitrary dismissal. In addition, appointed positions such as the CEO
of a ministry who essentially serve at the whim of the minister is still a bureaucrat working in
public service as such they cannot be expected to receive CEO type private sector compensation.
Granted they signed a contract. However, their compensation should commensurate with
scholarship and experience. They should also be evaluated based strictly on performance. Since
they are in fact public servants, they should be compensated enough to do their job for the
public good without compromise or any under-hand dealings. They should be able to serve with
integrity. This is where ethics in government plays a significant role. Bear in mind morality
cannot be legislated. In short, they must still be held accountable to the public trust. I can think
of interventions such as the integrity commission as a start.

As for these powerful elected government ministers with mandates to intimidate bureaucrats,
they operate under a different banner the spoils system. Suffice to say again it boils down to
sacrifice for the public good. I believe that they should be compensated. I am not prepared to
suggest a number. However, it should be aligned with the cost of living. This is an example of
where the Westminster model exposes its short comings. An ongoing discourse or framework
is what is needed to determine the most effective reform to our system of governance and
jurisprudence. What is the most effective model if so how will it be implemented? I am not
prepared to suggest one only because I believe that input will be required from all the stake
holders (the people). I will say this; the stated goal should be for proportional representation. In
addition, I have argued consistently, in this space, that I believe that it should in fact begin with
s sober look at our carbon copy constitution; a constitutional conference/convention would be
my preference. Since the constitution is the highest law of the land we should fashion one that
mirrors our struggle as a people.

Daily Dingleberry 01-25-12

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English: Barack Obama delivers a speech at the...

Image via Wikipedia

I think we are all getting a little exhausted bc now we are starting to turn on each other…so let’s look elsewhere for today while we gather ourselves and our thoughts. Can we say OBAMA!!! Wow! He left his opposition basically stuttering. It was awesome! Even if you won’t vote for him, that was so admirable last night. He was  eloquent and confident. But what I liked even more was, he addressed accusations made against him. He addressed less than popular issues and he made a stand. I loved how he called out the Congress and I hope they felt ashamed because basically they are just cock blocking. That is never acceptable. At this point, I think the Republicans are their worse enemy and has been for a while but if that’s what it took to get our first bi-racial president elected? Then so be it. I hope they get over their outdated views and get with what is best for the country. We all need representation. We are all important. It takes all kinds. Sounds just like Belize doesn’t it? Maybe Belize will finally get a female president…but under what banner? Which party will be brave enough, forward thinking enough to accept a female leader?????

Pro Con List: By: Aria Lightfoot

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Elections are drawing near; the propaganda machinery is in high gear.  Information, money, mortgage write-off, Belizean citizenship, finger pointing and empty promises are being thrown your way from every direction.  We are all weighing in on this circus for our votes. The media sources, political foot soldiers, religious organs, special interest groups and citizens are making noise.  The frenzy is confusing and feels like mosquitoes irritatingly buzzing in your ear.

I guess what is bugging me is my inability to write a pro and con list.  I know the importance of voting, but as a voter can I truly make a difference?  If vote for PUP, do they plan to change their evil ways? I am not sure.  Am I wrong? But it seems that PUP candidates are the same perpetuators of some serious corruption and flaws in judgment in the past administration.  These candidates and affiliates are proudly displayed on their websites and out campaigning.

 If I vote for UDP, do they plan on changing their evil ways? UDP has backtracked on most campaign promises to offset corruption and in fact celebrated the “spoil system” as PUP gave an approving nod.  They have conducted some questionable activities and lately they seem more like the PUP that was voted out of office.

Mein, I feel frustrated and powerless as a voter, I don’t even think there is a third party candidate in my division and if there was, would voting for them just be wasting my vote?  How can a party without the requisite seat plan to address any changes when they cannot even come up with 31 candidates?  

I am not like those abused, forgiving voters…the ones who make excuses and try to justify the evil of their  party.  I want to know what these parties are doing for Belize.  Will they change it? Will they run  Belize to the ground until there is literally nowhere else to go?  Do they care about my vote?   Let your voices and expectations be heard clearly as they canvass for your vote. Stop treating fellow citizens from a different party like your enemy because here is the real tidbit:  

Our politicians are becoming super millionaires with your vote endorsement.  Their children attend the best schools worldwide and have the posh jobs. Dean Barrow and Francis Fonseca don’t really hate each other!  Let me say it again! PUP and UDP politicians don’t hate each other!  They all hang out together, go to the same parties, belong to the same clubs, and celebrate each other successes in life and in many instances, RELATED to each other!    When we witness the argument in the House of Representatives, that is just the obligatory show time performance for the “fool fool” Belizeans.   So we di fool fool ones think that these politicians are sleeping at night worried about our well being.  IF they truly loved Belize, the first day in office they would begin implementing the changes to cure the deficiencies that create corruption.

Wake up my Belizean people, take off your red and blue and yellow lens and let’s start seeing where our country is broken and let’s start fixing it…! DEMAND ACCOUNTABILTY FROM THESE LEADERS WHO DEPEND ON OUR BLIND ALLEGIANCE!

Daily Dingleberry 01-24-12

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People make me soooo tired *sigh*

Eribadi just yak yak yak yak…are we listening to anything?

I see lovely, passionate people but instead of debating ideas…we are debating records…as in, who duh what, when, where….we are gonna get nowhere like this. We need to establish a solid, sound framework within which our government, blue, red, pink needs to work. We have to acknowledge that the system is ROTTEN TO THE CORE. As long as our rules and laws are outdated, as long as we are operating under the same old premises and archaic ideologies, we will be third world. Third world ideas, third word behaviour, third world life. Don’t like that? Meh…sux for you.

We need to stop this ‘crab enna bucket’ mentality. We need to stop letting rich and powerful families get away with murder, literally. Nothing can get done if people are intimidated and threatened at every level. The smart people keep yaking yaking yaking (wait, would that include me? LOL) but we continuously fail to address the fact that we are fighting some pretty strong, deep seated, (no, it’s not deep seeded cause anything planted too deep doesn’t grow, hence has no roots)  historical and cultural factors. ANd then it all comes back to who, how, when, where and with what the hell money?

 

Depressed yet?

Daily Dingleberry 01-20-12

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Belizeans taking this “we are a nation of pirates” LITERALLY as they host website accused of piracy.If you haven’t heard of SOPA then you have been under a rock 😛 The US is trying to get laws passed that basically attacks the freedom of the internet and it’s pissing off a lot of people including my 10 year old. So, this group Anonymous does things to retaliate or just grief government agencies in protest. Yesterday, the FBI shut down the website http://www.megaupload.com bc it accuses it of being an entity that engages in illegal file sharing SO Anonymous shut down the FBI’s computer system. You with me so far? THIS MORNING ABC reports that megaupload is back online using a BELIZE web address. I’m not sure what that means for Belize but it  sure doesn’t help our case days after being reported as being poor cause we tu corrupt and tief???!!! Remember that likkle article that pissed everybody off? Weeeeellllll….may be now we can accept that the whole world is watching us EAT CROW. BAWK!!!!

 

 

For a full and more detailed explanation: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/justice-fbi-crack-megauploadcom-hackers-hit-feds-entertainment/story?id=15396526&page=2#.TxmDQG9PvBs

Daily Dingleberry 01-19-12

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Miss me???? I took a break yesterday for BLACKOUT day in support of Wikipedia 🙂 So back to business!

People! Why are we still aligning with any party? I see people fervently accuse both parties of the same crime/misconduct while acknowledging that they “know” that their party isn’t perfect and that they do it too blah blah blah. OMG really??? So, do as I say but not as I do??? Scratching my head. Reminds me of those commercials where the kids are in a room and one gets a toy car and the other gets  one gets a real car for no good reason, just because, even though they both opened the same account at the same bank. This is just beyond ridiculous. We all make deposits into the same bank. We all try to follow the rules and provide for our children. We are all concerned about the same future: OUR FUTURE. YOU who got the fancy car, don’t shut your mouth because you got something from the government. You will get the same shitty end of the stick as the one who didn’t get the fancy car. Fire the bank. Don’t put your money there. Want for you neighbour what you would like for yourself because one day, you will be the kid getting the toy car. Don’t give ANYBODY the power to play with your money, your citizenship, your laws, your FUTURE.

OWN YOURSELF.

You deserve all that is fair and good and LAWFUL. It is the friggin LEAST we can expect from the people we hired. YES WE HIRE OUR POLITICIANS. So if they are breaking the law, being unethical, FIRE THEY ASS. Red and Blue mek purple….who like get bruise up? You like da black eye? how bout da bruk hand? Cripple foot? Before you get brain damage too, pull your head out of your ass! Make peace with my piece, lovers 😉

Daily Dingleberry 01-16-12

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MLK Day. A man died for what he believed in. He had a clear vision. He had a clear direction. He knew the price he would pay and still, he would not be swayed, not by fear, not by intimidation, not even by the thought of the loss of his own life. It is insulting when his name is used to perpetrate lies and hate. It is insulting when we take the gift he gave us and spit on it. It is insulting when we use this day and his name to draw lines between black and white instead of what is wrong and what is right. Martin Luther King was an African American. He fought for the rights of other African Americans, yes. But Martin Luther King was bigger than that. He fought for human rights. He loved all his brothers and sisters. His own people didn’t agree with him about that, but he was insistent that as long as we all were not free, then none of us is free. So, show some respect for his sacrifice. Show respect for his vision. Don’t pick and choose pieces of his life, his message, to serve your less than honourable purpose. If you ain’t fuh all, you ain’t fuh none and you ain’t fuh Martin. Peace, brothers n sistahs.

Reunion by Fayemarie A Carter

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Faye 1Bernie Toucan and Doo Doo Chickadee are sitting on their usual spot by the junction of Fortification and Judgement Streets, having a bit of tea. It is a lovely afternoon and the long time friends are enjoying a lighthearted chat when they feel the wire dip. Both of them look over and give shrieks of surprise.

“Milli!!!! Millicent Audrey Avocet!”, exclaimed Bernie.

“Blue Shanks! Gial! Whe u di du ya?” asked Dodes excitedly. The friends come together for a warm embrace and kisses.

“Well girls. I’m here to bury my grandmother, Aurelia Avocet, memba shi? Granny Ray? She passed a few days ago and I brought her home. She insisted that she be buried here in Belize. U membah how shi does goh? Always have to have shi own way,” Mili smiled wistfully.

“I’m sorry to hear that Milli. I hope it wasn’t too difficult for you and your family?” asked Bernie.

“Well, she was almost 100 so we knew this was coming and the past few months, she was going in and out of the hospital. That was hard because it felt like I never left work, you know? Nurse at work, nurse at home,” said Milli.

“I’m sure she appreciated it, Milli,” said Bernie as she touched her friend reassuring on the shoulder.

“Gial but hmmm! Comin home da neva no joke! Dey harass me every step ah di way. Dey act like ah midi try smuggle drugs or something. Dey nuh know dat if a midi do dat, di coffin mi gwein di opposite direction? What di hell ah wa smuggle into Belize from States?” Milli’s eyes danced as she giggled. “Yu wud tink dey glad dat the immigrant di lef di country, right? Dey stop my rass da every station! Ah neahly miss mi connecting flight home. Ah tell di lady if shi nevah let mi goh, mi granny miya haunt shi rass sake a lef ah fi travel by shi self,’ said Milli.

“Haha!” laughed Dodes.”U nuh change nuh gial. U still di give trouble, big time lady and all.”

“Well! Dey piss mi off man! Ih does be dat I mi glad fi have a Belizean passport. I used to joke that I would nevah want a American one cause dey wa tek mi mek hostage. But hell! Ah di change mi mind. Ah mean, who wahn go thru da process da states? You have to pay almost a thousand dollahs den you hafi study and tek exam. Hmph! But lately, I might prefer be American.”

“Well, u know Milli, lately, wha latta pipple di rail up bout fi we citizenship. How easy it is fi get it and dat anybody could get it fi leebit a money or a simple vote inna elections. Jus di oddah day, PM give hundreds a pipple citizenship. Pipple nevah tek tu kindly. Seh how dey only di du it fi get votes cause dey desperate.” Dodes shook her head. “Milli gial. You might glad u live da States fi tru. Dis country jus di go to rass. Ah mean, why d hell u wa give a bunch a Guatemalans citizenship? Dey don tink we da fi dey? Now dey could vote and buy land and send dey pickney da fi wi school. Ih just bun mi when ah tink bout it.”

“Shit! Ah neva know tings get so bad gial Dodes,” said Milli. But dis rass nuh new mein. When ah midi go da SJC, dey used to talk bout di Chiney di pay like $45,000 fuh wa passport. At least den wi mid get something firit, right? But dis? Dey just di come tek whe dey done tink da fi dey already and we jus give it to dey!” Milli looked over at Bernie who had gotten very quiet, just sipping her tea every now and again. “Bernie. Whe di goh tru da maze a yourns?”

“Ahh.” Bernie sighed.”Ah jus di tink fi tru Milli. Ah mean, what do you do when something like this happen? Who u call? Is there even a process of inquiry?”

“Hey Milli,” said Dodes. “Di one good thing whe come outta dis? Dey gat deya 2 gial name Aria Lightfoot and Fayemarie Carter. Dey two deh awn gial. You know whe Aria seh bout di passport ting? Shi call Belize a prostitute! Something bout open fi business with evibady!” Dodes’ body shakes as she heartily laughs.

“Buwahahahahaha!” laughed Milli. “Dat da wa gud one Dodes! Suh wi da still ‘soldier taffy’? Wi jus do it legal like now. Wow!” Milli sobered as the thoughts swirled around her head. The Belize of her Granny Ray’s days definitely seem to be gone with her. This is one of the major conflicts she struggles with deeply. How can she, Milli, say anything about what is happening in Belize when she lives in a nice house and has a nice job in sunny California? She thinks of coming home often but she knows she is not ready to face this type of life where politics and one’s existence were one and the same. She shook her head as if to shake the thoughts right out. “Anyway, Dodes. Tell mi bout whe deya gial di seh.”

The friends sat on the wire for the next hour, until the sun sprayed its golden tendrils across the land, closing one more day, signalling one more triumph of survival over continued difficulties and challenges to all the good these friends knew as home.