Sorry birds! I have been MIA all day but I was busy feathering my nest…so my dingleberry today is I didnt get to spend annnnyyyyy time with y’all 😦
Who is “Who Who” on Twocanview
Who is “Who Who” on Twocanview
Apparently people didn’t find this on the site but it is under “Welcome to Our Blog-Fayemarie Anderson Carter”.
So…who am I? First off, I am a woman. I am a citizen of the world and I belong to no one. I have faced unbelievable circumstances all my life and even before I was born. Basically, I shouldn’t be here. My mother had a difficult pregnancy and was on bed rest the last months. With all the precautions taken and advantages of having a father who was a medical intern, it still didn’t prevent me from being born premature and kinda dead for a while. That should have been the clue to the world “Watch out! She’s a fighter!” Well but, I didn’t always know that and many things knocked me down and there were times I felt hopeless and helpless.
I had a very confusing, complicated childhood. I felt like I had each foot in a different world so that I was constantly trying to balance between them. There were a lot of misconceptions about my family and our intentions. It went from “You’re white, you don’t care”; “You’re rich; why do you care?” to “Oh you’re poor, who cares?” Despite all that, I couldn’t help but grow up with an intense feeling of obligation and sense of civic duty. I was a quiet child (the irony, I know) so I was often unseen as I observed adults (many of whom, became leaders of our communities) discuss, argue, make plans and sound ridiculous. I was in the back of a government vehicle once, when an adviser to a minister (no names) actually recommended that we remove social studies from the elementary school curriculum and I was just stupefied by this intense stupidity. His estimation of social studies was “it is a waste of time”. With this attitude, we wonder why we are where we are????
On the other hand, living in Dangriga, I couldn’t very well insulate and isolate myself from the realities of regular folk. First of all, I lived smack dab in the middle of town. All the shops, the police station, the banks, churches, schools, government offices and the hospital was right there within a two block radius. Secondly, I didn’t want to. I wanted to play “toad” and punta and “bathe sea”. I wanted to crack my supa seed with the door stop by the church. I wanted to “plait” my hair and “walk bout street”. Even if people wanted to think that I was not part of the society because of my parents, my ancestry (I lived on a street named after my paternal family for goodness’ sake) anyone who looked closely would have seen that I faced many of the same issues everyone else did and then some. Not only did I have to wait every day for my dad to see a patient so I could get $10 to buy bread and milk, people wanted us to donate to everything. I always got picked, in school, to donate the most expensive item like a chicken or the cake. Multiply that times 4 Anderson children and that was half our weekly grocery budget.
I was often ashamed and proud at the same time. Crazy making, I tell you. Case in point. My dad loves to spread Christmas cheer to those who wouldn’t otherwise know it. I understood that about my dad and actually, I am so guilty of it myself. The price for that? I wrapped hundreds of gifts for everyone else while my Christmas gift was the bloody Christmas dress I needed to wear to church. Some gift. LOL. Or how about that time I got a blanket, or the time I got a fan? (I was glad for it don’t mind me) but I was a kid too dammit and I wanted toys! I really did only have two church dresses. My snobbish middle class friends loved to make feel me inferior because they had the latest styles from “States” and would tell me things like “Gial, u noh fraid da dress staat to talk?” Stupid, mean girls.
The blessing of this kind of upbringing is that I learned to empathize. I learned what it feels like to not belong and I didn’t belong anywhere. Too po fi di rich pipple, too white fi di po pipple and when I moved to the States, not white enough for the Americans. So, I learned to like myself. I had to. Nobody else did! I read and read and read. I would get lashin’ because I was reading books and not washing the dishes or I let the clothes get wet on the line because I forgot to pick them in. I learned to make toys out of old seasoning cans and match boxes; I turned them into doll house furniture. I made dolls out of mangoes and tried to sew my own doll clothes (I say try because I often made them too tight LOL). Books were like gold to me. Everything I read, I depended on the library for so that the highlight of my year, was when the ship came from England with new library books. I read about Judy and Maisy and nothing was more hotly traded than the latest Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys book. When I was actually GIVEN a book, I treasured it and read and reread till it damn near fell apart. I still had the books Mary K Carridi (I called her Aunt Kath, back then) gave me until 1998 when I left them with my parents, not knowing that they would be following me not a few months later. Sorry, Kathy, but I think the books, a copy of Jack and Jill published in 1898 and B is for Betsy, were lost in one of the hurricanes . Those books, the latter, especially, gave me dreams of another kind of childhood, filled with pink clouds and fantasy, sweet memory for sure.
Today, I am married to an American and I have two girls, 19 and 10. I have lived in different countries and states. Just look at my Facebook page and you’ll see all the colleges/universities I “visited” 🙂 I graduated in 2006 from Adler Graduate School with an MA in Counseling Psychology but I haven’t written my thesis yet (long story) so I may never actually get that piece of paper :P. Fingers crossed, I’ll get it done soon now that I am a work at home mom, again. Before now, I worked in the Bloomington, MN school system as a contracted therapist/case manager in a special education program. I worked with children and families struggling with challenges that come with diagnoses of emotional/behavioural disorders such as ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, Depression, Anxiety, Autism.
I was asked by Aria Lightfoot to be part of this blog addressing the issues facing our Belizean people and I didn’t hesitate for more than a second. Politics have scarred my heart but I decided to take a chance anyway and be a part of what I hope becomes known as a “revolution”. I hope to impart knowledge and insight but mostly compassion and empathy for our fellow citizens. We won’t get anywhere if we don’t understand that we are all in it together. Blue and Red makes PURPLE and that’s where we are: bruised and battered.
Grade “F” – by Aria Lightfoot
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. ” Leo Tolstoy
I was watching a reality show on TV where a business expert , goes into failing businesses, observes the business, evaluate the weaknesses, implement changes and most importantly, attempt the difficult task of implementing the changes with people. As the expert goes through each suggestion of change, it is glaringly obvious to the viewer (me) what the weaknesses were, however, the failing business owner and employees, prior to the expert advice, barreled obliviously to imminent failure. This show made me think – What is it about change we cannot grasp, even when we know we are failing?
The hardest person to criticize is ourselves. Even though we seek approval from our peers and colleagues, it seems that seeking approval translates into seeking out people who agree with our positions. I was captivated as each owner and employee fought the idea of change even though failure was certain. The expert was subjected to name calling, discounted, accused of bias, and outright rejection. Some people took her expert criticisms as a personal condemnation and instead of grasping the opportunity to change, using the advice of a well renowned expert, they preferred termination and personal failure. The idea of change was a concept some could not appreciate, even though failure would undoubtedly change their lives.
I look at our political arena and all the people who are in running the business of Belize. Whether from a social, economic, spiritual, politically, legal or voter perspective, it is safe to surmise that we are failing as a society. We are not only failing, but we believe the fault lies somewhere else and with someone else.
The political parties that form the governments have failed to adhere to campaign promises and mostly delivered to friends and family members. They have allowed the demise of Belize by shortcutting , cronyism, special treatment, and using the public coffers as their personal bank accounts. The churches are failing to address our moral decline and have limited their powerful voice to the issue of homosexuality. Poverty, murder, theft, corruption is not addressed with the same “fiery hell” approach. Public servants have failed to serve with integrity. They have partnered with the politicians in the demise of Belize by taking bribes, ignoring protocol, not giving the tax payers a good days work, and allowing the politicians to act with impunity to the state. The Bar Association of Belize has failed to be an important check and balance to the injustices that permeate our society. The doctors have failed to educate the masses about health and be healers in our society. They have become vulture like businessmen who feed off people in their most desperate moment in life -sickness. The business people are failing by selling inferior products at superior prices and not partnering with the Government to create jobs and contributing to the elevation of our society through community development initiatives. The banks are failing with predatory lending and crippling interest rates. The NGOs are ineffective. The media is failing by not asking the tough questions and becoming organs or sympathizers of political parties. The parents are failing by not partnering with the teachers to discipline their children and teach them the true value of citizenship, value of spirituality and value of being decent human beings. The voters are failing by not holding politicians to a high standard. They are part of the problem by accepting bribes and expecting all of life problems to be solved by a politician. And finally neighbors no longer know each other. We have lost a basic respect of treating people how we want to be treated. We have not reached out the family who are in need, to the children who walk the streets, to the homeless in need of food, to the elderly that need assistance…
And before you say, this does not apply to me, I do not fit this description, we need to take a long hard critical look at the way we conduct the business of Belize and ask ourselves…How have I contributed to the demise of Belize and what can I do to change the direction of impending failure?
Daily Dingleberry 01-09-12
Elections 2012 – by Aria Lightfoot
What you are not hearing from the major parties for Elections 2012:
1. A solution to offset corruption and crime.
2. A plan to alleviate poverty.
3. Any ideas to overcome our debt burdens
4. A proposal to create checks and balances
5. A game plan for nation building
So what the major parties saying heading into Election 2012:
1. Excuses
2. Faults and accusations
3. Propaganda
4. Freebies
5. Political infighting
Since Independence our country has declined morally, economically, socially. I predict that the winner of Elections 2012 will feel the wrath of the Nation.. Good Luck Belizeans…we have “leaders” who want to lead us with no solutions and an atrocious resume.
Birds on da Wire by Fayemarie Anderson Carter
Bernice “Bernie” Toucan sees her friend Doo Doo “Dodes” Chickadee sitting on the wires at the junction of Fortification and Judgement Streets. Dodes looks worried. Bernie decides to go see what’s bothering her friend. Dodes worries about a lot of things. She is easily frightened by everyday happenings but lately, it seems to have gotten worse. Bernie reflects that Dodes doesn’t even seem to smile lately.
“Hey, Dodes. You seem so pensive today. What’s up?” asked Bernie.
Dodes doesn’t look at Bernie but starts talking. “You see Johnny John Crow over there? That’s nevah good. He only come rung when someting bad about fi happun.”
Bernie sighs. “Dodes, you can’t let him bother you. It’s just his nature. He ciant help it.”
At this, Dodes looks at Bernie. “I’m scared Bernie. Things just seem to be getting worse and worse. My daughter’s friend Aaron Pope was killed the other day. Innocent little boy, sleepin in his bed, fuh no reason.” Dodes voice cracks with emotion. “Who is it gonna be next? What has to happen so all these young people realize that all this shooting and killing don’t do nuttin but destroy what little good we have left? Ah feel like nobadi give a shit nuhmo.”
“Dodes. You have to remember that not everybody is like that. There are people trying, trying real hard to get people to start thinking and maybe start doing something to help this situation. Like da gial, Aria. I have been reading her blog and she seems to be really fair about everything…none a dis party politics rass. Shi nu fraid fi nobadi, it seems. People like her, is exactly what we need.”
At this, Dodes gives a little smile, then a tiny chuckle. “Shi de awn nuh tru? Shi even use di “f” word!” exclaimed Dodes. Dodes threw her head back and start laughing real hard now. Her voice going up an octave, “Shi seh, shi seh to PUP ‘Grow the fuck up already'” At this Dodes is bawking from her belly, her whole body shaking, tears streaming down her face. “Bernie, gial. Ah jus cud imagine po George Price di roll inah ih grave! Buwhahahahahahaha! Aye! Aye! Mi belly di hurt!”
Bernie smiles at her friend. She knows that the laughter hides Dodes’ fears but it’s still nice to see her laugh a good belly laugh. It’s been too long.
“Hmmmmmm, Bernie gial. Whe u tink people like shi cud really do, huh?’ Bernie frowns as Dodes is serious again. “Ah mean, she is saying tings I wuda wa seh miself and ah know dat lotta pipple wudnt dare. You know, dey fraid fi lose dey job and soh. But, innah di end, whe shi cud really do, huh?”
Bernie looked at her friend. She was right. Nobody survived in Belize unscathed and could be downright destroyed when they said what this girl, Aria is.
“Well, Dodes. Wi cud hope dat di pen is mightier dan di sword. Ah mean, wi ciant do nuttin bout nuttin if wi nuh talk bout it fus. Look. nuttin get done in a hurry. Tings tek time. Tudeh she? Tomorrow? 20 mo like she. Instead ah jus siddung ya and worry, why wi nuh join dis gial, huh? Show her our support. After all shi di do dis fi wi right? Wi haftu believe dat good and sound judgement will prevail. Just look at history, Dodes. Ah bet during di Holocaust pipple felt like it would nevah end and den one day it did. Nuttin bad last forevah but wi ciant siddung rung and wait fuh mek ih done? Who di hell wa do it? WE, Dodes WE!”
“But Bernie. U noh andastand. What can I do? Ah nuh educated like you. Ah beahli di hold onto mi job da di facktry. Dey nuh wa give wi wa raise. Deh nuh wa wi unionize. Ah mean. Wot wa happen to me and my pickney if dey fiah mi? U know dey pipple who I work fah big innah politics.” Dodes pushed out her beak and shook her head. “Ah nuh know Berns. Ah fraid.”
“Ok Dodes. U have a valid point. But if we don’t help ourselves, who will? U noh tink my ma and your ma had dis very canvasation befo we had independence? People had to get together and fight! U wa end up like Jamaica? Caz ih look like dat fi real. Most ah fi dey people po no rass and deh gat parts a city yu bettah no dare go to. Some a di village dem nuh gat electricity at all! Still? innah dis day and age? Ah nuh want Belize tun like dat mein. U feel mi?”
Dodes looks at her smart, pretty friend and nods. “Alright Bernie. I will try. I will follow dis gial Aria and show her my support. I wa tell all mi other frens fi pay attention tu. Hey, Bernie. Who wudda tink that lee ole me wudda di du dis? All I duz k bout da bash pan Satuhdeh.” Bawk, bawk,bawk “Aye dems were di gud ole days, huh, Bernie? Memba whe wi duz steps? Wi mi tink wi soh hot!”
“Talk fi yourself Dodes! Ah still got it girl!” Bernie thrust her chest out and swung her hips side to side.
The two friends laugh as they remember their blissfully, uncomplicated days as young girls, when nobody was shot and they could walk around at night without fear. Days when all that mattered was a note from a boyfriend and holding hands excitedly with him as you walk by Baron Bliss grave…well more than walk, a stolen kiss or two. Those days seem so remote now; but, a tiny hope has sprung in their hearts, as they silently pledge their loyalty and lives to fight to take back their country from the clutches of corruption and greed.
Ten Alarming coincidences and the “damage” system of Belize: by Aria Lightfoot
1. A poll that claims to speak on behalf of the average Belizean. The poll was conducted in secrecy and by a prominent member of the Republican party, who campaigned for McCain. Why am I disturbed? McCain was reportedly linked to a group called the World League for Freedom and Democracy involved in influencing politics in Central America and the world. Conspiracy theory maybe or maybe not.
2. A system that demands no accountability. When we live a life without demanding facts, we are simply gullible sheep being led to our slaughter. Never accept a word any politician says. Let them show you the facts. Spreading rumors and propaganda to achieve their ultimate goals have been the accepted practice for way too long. Our media should hold politicians to a higher professional standard.
3. Nardia Garcia, prominent member of the PUP and other members of the PUP seeking elected office are closely linked to the Guatemalan President thru very close family relationship. Disturbing in that our political parties are linked indirectly to a country that continues to claim ownership over Belize.
4. The Port of Belize was foreclosed on by the Ashcroft Alliance. It seems that Ashcroft is strategically acquiring prime real estate that will eventually derail any governmental power so we can become subjects of Ashcroftville formerly known as Belize.
5. PUP battle continue to spill out into the media. Belize need an effective opposition and if the new government is PUP…a stable government. Grow the fuck up already!
6. 17 million dollars of tax payers money will benefit only 770 families. Thousands of people pay their bills. How can people notes be written off without oversight? If you thought giving away $100.00 was generous…try $50,000 to unknown beneficiaries. Who will benefit and who is footing this bill? Show me the facts.
7. The enforcement of our laws are at the pleasure of the government of the day. We are declining socially because of wanton corruption. Selective enforcement and poor prosecution. Where else in the world would a DPP and Attorney General boast a 5% conviction rate and be rewarded with a Queen’s medal and job security?
8. Our children continue to fall victim to crime and violence. What will our future look like, if children are being traumatized by street wars, weekly death of family and friends, and no consequences for bad behavior. We need a 5 year, 10 year, 20 year and 50 year visionary for Belize.
9. There is not a mandated set date for elections. Not having a mandated election date creates uncertainty for investors and citizens. Let us mandate a day every 5 years for general elections and end this atmosphere of uncertainty in our country.
10. Disproportionate representation of citizens. Time for each citizen of Belize to have equal representation in the House of Representative. Until each citizen is equally represented, the people power and influence will remain in the hands of a very selected few thru the “ spoil system“. Spoil literally means to damage severely or harm something. To diminish and impair. Belizeans are victims to the “damage“ system.
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