Belize celebrates it 29th year of gaining political independence from the Empire of Great Britain; this after the Union Jack was lowered at the stroke of midnight unto the early morning on September 21, 1981. The struggle of many prominent Belizeans led by "the Father of the Nation" George Cadle Price is well documented in both print and memory. The bevy of fireworks on that night paled in comparison to the pride felt by each and every Belizean. Our flag brought unity to us all and cemented the feeling that we are a nation to be reckoned with.
Our growing pains exist till today in the very struggle for economic independence. We are creating a great deal of foreign exchange; watch all the SUV's and buildings. But our trade deficit is tremendous. We are no where close to producing everything we eat. Is it necessary? In economic terms it is and we might need to strike a greater balance.
As we grow we might have forgotten to keep ALL our values well in front of us. Growing also are levels of vice that lead to the breakdown of peace at the societal level. Crime is being taken at face value and police are tasked more and more to keep law and order. Police have lots more to do at the same salary levels--a problem unto itself.
We Belizeans and our institutions need to be willing to educate ourselves out of this chasm. There is a need to realize that movements away from Godliness, , selflessness, basic honesty and desire to work have little by little taken us to where we are today. First we need to be lead correctly. Then, our insitutions, namely family, schools, governments, business, NGO's and churches need to perform tit for tat in the quest to do an about turn from societal woes.
We all have noticed our woes. Now we need a viable leader to show us the way towards really being united and proud and BE Belize in perpetuity.
Btw.... The UN is calling September 21, 2010 the International Day of Peace!
Happy 29th! Parade in our carnival with peaceful gusto.
