Insight

Fonseca or Barrow...PUP or UDP etc

2012-02-01T18:44:00.007-06:00

In a little more than a month our precious jewel will be lead by a new slate of people. These will come from our very own and will thus be a microcosm of our society. Questionable polls have poised the elections as being too close to call. The history of 1998 and 2008 is that there was no need for a poll...except for the main one giving credibility to the suspicion that the incumbent government would be voted out.

Nevertheless, for those that are floating out there and that are indecisive the decision is there to be made now...or in 30 plus days.

Will Dean Barrow get your support or Francis Fonseca?

I can tell you a few things that I would like to know.

I would like to see the list of people that do not have to pay back money to Social Security. It may have been fluttered at the National Assembly but I would like it to be newspapered. If it is SO SO much of goodness and good news for the nation then let us see it....please.

I would like to know WHO owns Health Care Partners. This little institution helped the last government to be voted in. Yet, the owners are illusive. The same can be said for Heritage bank...can hardly remember the last name...Alliance.

I believe that I am not asking for much. PM Barrow has lead on that he is a man that deals with transparency so it would be an easy deal to offer.

"Bombastic use of terminological inexactitudes"....this is a quote once used by Barrow about Musa and it resounds in my mind. In my last blog post I spoke about Dean Barrow misleading the people and offering lies so many times. The difference is that he never did say that he lied. Also, no journalist had the intestinal fortitude to ask him like Musa was asked once in Dangriga.(do you lie?..easy)

Let's get this straight.... Administrations canNOT tell us EVERYTHING. It would not be in the interest of us all. Even if they want to tell us everything it is impossible.

With that set out.... It does not give any administration the right to mislead, take, and become corrupt. The PUP dabbled into that realm and paid dearly for it at the polls. The UDP has also soiled themselves with becoming corrupt albeit in a short 4 years.

Let us MOVE forward....

Let us NOT vote in the PUP because of what the UDP did. Let us stop the cycle now.

Let us listen intelligently to what is being said. Let us not take any money for a promise of a vote(take 'help' and done). Then decide on who you want to vote for because of the content of their character. Belize needs that. Any landslide decision means that a party along with lousy candidates would have been voted in.

Sorry Barrow....you are the incumbent and that does put the onus on you to promise beyond what you already have had the chance to DO and did NOT do. A Barrow miscalculation is that the usual PUP voters that swung to the UDP to castigate the PUP in 2008 are not happy with being ignored. Barrow helped himself and his UDP people well but what about all those that helped elect him...what about other Belizeans.

Fonseca, you need to distance yourself deliberately from the doings of Said and Ralph. You do have the upper hand in that the people of Freetown voted you in as their representative at the last elections when the PUP was being swept out. The new PUP plan needs to be devoid of unbelievable promises but yet FULL OF HOPE.

In the end of it all, do we trust Barrow with another "five" years and will all the PUP voters that voted UDP in the last elections vote PUP once again? Let the floating end!

OH MY!!! Electioneering....

2012-01-19T21:36:00.004-06:00

PUP or UDP...UDP or PUP...oh then there is the VIP!!!!!!!!

Four years ago in the midst of pre-election rhetoric then candidate now Prime Minister of Belize quoted to the effect.....the people of Belize have no choice other than vote for the UDP and that obviously they will not vote for the PUP. After two terms the PUP, vis-a-vis it's leaders, had shot themselves on the foot...cut off their own noses to spite their faces...etc. In February of 2008 the people of Belize castigated the PUP where it hurts in the most decisive way...the General election polls. I have gone on record to state how that irks my soul.

This style of results brandishes our the electorates collective ire versus a party and not the individuals running. Ah...so so sad. It also exposes the very weakness of democracy. The majority is not always right. Nevertheless we all have the greatest of human rights--that of the right to be wrong.

What is probably not pardonable is the wanton abuse of our electorate by politicians who DO know better.

The giving of a little 'blue-buay' for a vote: Insults the value of a voter's right to decide using their own free will...Not to mention its being illegal.

The giving of a little 'blue-buay' for a vote: Shows that the politician is corrupt even before he has been elected. This throws corrupts absolutely out the window. ;)

The giving of a little 'blue-buay' for a vote: Tempts the voter to be dishonest also...and many accede into this dishonesty.

The giving of a little 'blue-buay' for a vote: The dishonesty stretches into "I will take their money and STILL vote them out. Yes that is dishonest...since you to lie to a fellow human.

Today there is another display of unfair play with the registration list that is being padded with newly nationalized Belizeans. That these people went through the correct process to become Belizeans is one main issue. In my opinion, if someone wants to become a Belizean that is something that makes me proud. Wow....

Another SAD issue is that this patriotic act of nationalization is then desecrated by holding it to ransom.

'Since I helped you to become a Belizean you should then vote for me.' DAMN.....the nerve. No one has that power...no one. People become a Belizean because of their qualifying via due process after their collective will and fate brought them to that decision.

'This is nothing new, the PUP did it before'........STUPID remark. Whilst telling us to Imagine the Possibilities the UDP stood on a rostrum of 'we will not be like the PUP.' Hey.....UDPers...the PUP lost big time after they, according to you, 'did the same thing.' Just maybe it was a part of their undoing. Why would you want to repeat strategy that was folly? Again this shows me the lack of intellect and desire to do the right thing.

Lastly...Said Musa was touted as being a liad person...that untruths were his order of the day. Can we say that Dean Barrow has been any different? At least Said said that 'I have to lie sometimes'...and that is true of us all.

Step forth if you have never lied. Go ahead. I know ONE person who would like to step forward. Do you need hints?

9th to the house.......My final opinion

2011-10-20T19:30:00.002-06:00

Democracy is an oft debated term that is just as often paraded up and about just alongside 'freedom.' Let us not get into a long drawn out discussion on these since it will be affectingly monotonous...go figure.

Let me attempt to hit this proverbial head........Any possible attack to the freedom that I am used to as a citizen of Belize cannot be good and a definite invasion of privacy, political harassment and in no uncertain terms malicious.

Who asked him? At election time this was not tabled. And I agree, governments don't have to carry out only tabled issues/promises. But when it is something that will affect us dearly and have the possibility of being misused, then YES...........You did NOT ask the Belizean electorate.

The few people that went to the 'consultations' make not even make the majority of our body politic.

Belizeans this is my little 'one' cent..... This ninth ammendment to our Belizean constitution sows more possible harm than it does promise fruits. My conscience cannot endorse it.

Recrudescence

2011-09-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

After the majestic sending off of the Father of the Nation, our country has been mellowed into a feeling of 'what now?' Was the country really united at the state funeral? Were the parties really united? I would like a transcript of what was discussed at Cabinet or the halls of UDP 'powerdom' as to their decision to go big with Mr. Price's funeral. Was there anyone who voiced a negative?

It would be interesting to get the answer to that question. Hopefully history will answer it. It will definitely complete the story of the state funeral and make it even more precise than the ceremonies actually were.

For me it is not cynicism... it is desire to know.....curiosity to know my country.

It is rather easy self-convincing that the government determined that NOT lionizing George Price was too great a political price to pay. I will give them their due congratulations in doing that. Belize deserved no less; Belize deserved George Price and his legacy. Mr. Price is the 'avatar' to Belize like George Washington is for the USA.

It therefore cannot be lost that there was a subtle political aura to all of this. The PM's speech was all him. It was as great a speech as he has made before. Too bad it flew over the heads of many.

That the PUP would not have another leader like George Price was like a 'durrr' statement. But shrewdly he rebounded from that lame statement to that 'Belize would not have another Prime Minister like George Price'. All these were political jabs.

The leader of the opposition had a drum roll type of speech. There was not too much of a bang but it was timely. His most partisan political jab was 'our constitution is under attack.'

The time has come for the parties to enter the middle of the rounds of this match. This is where the 'blood' starts to ooze as the uppercuts and hooks come into play.

The period of recrudescence probably was never here but.......if it was...... the campaigning time is here want it or not. Don't say it is "JUST" the town board. This is it! Who wins in 2012..........MOST LIKELY wins in 2013 and rules/governs until 2018.

May God be with our leaders.

2011-09-25T23:38:00.002-06:00

Papa Price we love you! Always have...always will!

Rest in Peace sir!!!

You WILL have a BUNCH of us Belizeans in heaven with you. You worked too hard with us for us to let YOU down.

RIGHT Belizeans???????

Unfurled: The Colossus of the jewel

2011-09-20T19:57:00.006-06:00

Our haven of democracy turns thirty in just a few minutes.... if I just blink that is as fast as the entire 30 years seemed to have went by. Even though I was a child I was out there in front of the Orange Walk Town Hall where the Belizean Flag was to be hoisted and unfurled into the wind for the first time. This was all in synchronicity with the ceremonies all across the jewel.

I can especially remember a SPECIAL pyrotechnic structure that was placed right in front to the town hall. Everyone was so expectant to see what these gifts from Mexico were to display. Well, lo and behold... the one I can most remember is a glistening firework display of the unmistakable silhouette of George Cadle Price. Mein....in today's day and e-age it would be all over Facebook.

Even though at that time he was the reigning leader of our country, his grandeur was undeniable and in no way pre-maturely lionized. This is one time that they did not wait for the man to be dead to tell him that he was good. He was and is the Colossus of Belize...papa Price.

With his passing to permanent life, George Price will now be able to hover over Belize. If I were hurricanes, crime, and Satan himself I would be wary; Belize now has a celestial guard.

Folks.........be happy, be jovial, be expectant. Hon. Price(or Saint) expects us to continue to live and learn. There is plenty of work to do in what he so timelessly described as a peaceful and constructive revolution. He still wants us to BUILD BELIZE!

Once after shaking his hand......I felt......"I won't wash my hands ever again"......... LOL

NOW I KNOW; His handshake to us ALL can NEVER be erased by mere water. His spirit has been forever imbued into the fabric of us Belizeans.

George Price's docile spirit will always demand peace and reconstruction as it perpetually unfurls into our milieu.

Papa Price we love you! Always have!

Happy Independence Day 2011!!

Prime Ministers Forum: A BIG deal!

2011-09-15T18:34:00.007-06:00

The Father of the Nation was ill and recovering from a fall at his home and subsequent surgery. Yet, the show had to go on. After being eloquently introduced, the Belizeans who have held the title of Prime Minister of our country couched beside each other. They were now poised to make a historic joint appearance.

Without the luxury of Nielson ratings we can only guess how many Belizeans tuned in to this majestic moment. I can tell you... it was not discussed ad nauseum on my 'normal' fb page--Pacquiao fights and Barcelona games get lots more commentary. At work, mum was the word on the forum. There was more a worry as to why people were late to work.

It is so revealing that such a summit of a conversation did not give rise to many mini-ones in the immediacy. Maybe time will tell.

Delving into the presentations: these politicians revealed their humanities to us and their Belizeanism--hope I can say this. They did keep though a thin film of their party colors; I don't blame them for that. Two of these men were still in the very very heart of today's politics. The other, in my humble opinion, had lost touch with the Belizean people. He seemed to be a reluctant participant and seemed a lil bitter at best.

But hey, let me not hit these men that have been at the helm of our country's history for the last 30 years. It is no easy job. With Belizeans who are generally illogically insatiable. The mass number of us make Democracy look like a lousy system but I would have it no other way. It is the task of each Belizean that can read and understand to teach those that cannot read and understand. If we would make that thought prevail, our democracy would blossom since we have a great set of roots firmly into the ground.

All in all, the words of the Prime Ministers resounded in love for our nation. I must say though that this forum should best have been held when they were not practicing politicians. The responses might have been lots more poignant with feelings from their hearts.

Hey! Kudos to them for appearing and speaking to the nation...even as the latter might have not been listening as avidly as we should have.

Get well Papa Price!!!!!!!

Until!!!!!

The Majority!

2011-09-10T06:41:00.006-06:00

The shyster that leads our nation does so with a bombastic array of 'terminological inexactitudes.' Churchill said it so best in describing the parliament figures that were misleading their nation.

Oh my!

The Dangriga 'consultation' was just another insult to our collective Belizean intelligence. People how can 175 people that go up to a microphone be called the majority? They are not! If you think they are, you are giving in to the gang mentality....to the mob....or saying that rioting is the sane way. It seems that the our government is glad to have civil disobedience. Being unruly is tantamount to bliss so why be wise...seems to be their modus operandi of choice.

My Belizeans... we all need to know debate rules. Our minister of education, you should lead the way in promoting etiquette and thus real democracy. You should 'suspend' the entire proceedings. Then, go to the cabinet vis-a-vis the Prime Minister and tell him that you cannot reign over pandemonium. Also, tell him that you KNOW that the majority of people are not attending the consultations. Tell him that definitely our Belizean intelligentsia is NOT being represented.

Advise him to go to an election called a referendum. And if he cares for the nation's bottomline to call a real election on this ginormous issue. Also, while you are at trust-rebuilding...to institute the 13th senator.

Question: Am I paying for the ads that show persons saying only YES to the ninth amendment? If these are government ads, they should reflect both sides. How can we trust you? The PUP is in opposition so they only put the NO opinions but the government has PLEDGED to be impartial..."without fear or favour so help me GOD."

Happy 10th Celebrations everyone! Leave some of that energy for the 30th!

Pageantry and Photography: An inkling

2011-09-04T18:42:00.011-06:00

Folks...Ms. Orange Walk 2011-12 is no other than Ms. Negril Crawford. Congratulations! The same level of congratulations go out also to Grisel, Stephanie, Amanda, Angeli and Daudling. You all have the world in front of you. I am sure that you will take your fair bite and use the energy to do good. All this is in addition to your God given talents.

A thought here, just maybe, men cannot do two things: give birth and look sweet as a pageant contestant.

As I browse through the Ms. Orange Walk Facebook page I was awestruck and doused by the reality of a few simpletons that still exist out there in our lil Belize and Orange Walk. I like to say: "Obama is president already give it a rest." But hey, the majority of the audience cheered at the announcement of the winner. I was there! It was a beautiful and sweet ring of approval. The cheers had it mein....the jeers were swallowed....whole.

There was a book published some time ago called Heavenly Belize. I will use their premise to allege that this past Saturday September 3, 2011 we did have that: Heavenly Belize at the Orange Walk Multipurpose Complex. Our girls displayed controlled extravagance and splendour so beyond their years. In our lands abroad this would have been teen pageant but our contestants were so up to the moment.

Gallantry in battle for men is definitely opaqued by pageantry. Give me peace any day. I so love the amity that is seen at these pageants where the girls get to compete yet dance with each other some hours later to the wee of the morning. Our men are often involved in 'machoistic' fights and arguments at the end of many a football game, just to name one sport.

A pageant nonetheless is competition par excellence. The girls want to 'beat' the others yet know and show with the sweetest of smiles that at the finale only one will wear the crown. The candidate that struts the stage with majesty, dresses impeccably, speaks with clarity, and oozes confidence will invariably sway the crowd and, often, this, also means, influencing the scores of the judges.

I like to look at it this way. It would have been great if Ms. Orange Walk would be a microcosm of Orange Walk girls...like a person representative of them all. But I may be going against the grain. Many times at a pageant the most photogenic, most congenial, friendliest, or most articulate gives way to most confident and the best showgirl. Mind you... the best showgirl will also have a little of the other traits yet she is not necessarily the most amicable. How can I say this? I don't. I just saw, for example, Miss Amity not placing in the top three at this pageant.

Photographers are truly in heaven at these pageants. I have been one to ask the question, "Who took that picture?" For me it is not enough to view the rolling hills, the white snow, the scintillating sunrise, the majestic ocean, or the gorgeous women. The photographer that glues their eyes to the eyepiece to get that 'best shot ever' is an artist in his/her own right. At the pageant they were drooling.... I saw it. Well maybe not exactly. ;)

Orange Walkeños to cap off my emotions here let me end with exposing the heart in this. The Orange Walk Cancer Support Group will be benefiting from this event as they already have with the time volunteered by the contestants. People suffering from this scourge to humankind will benefit somehow from any funds obtained. EVERYONE join this fight. It is an honorable one. We know it is. Just stop procrastinating and help! The time to do so is NOW!

Thanks to Michael R. Vasquez and AALAWI Productions

She Vies!

2011-09-02T23:45:00.008-06:00

Tonight some Orange Walk beauties will raze the stage at the Multipurpose Complex in an honorable stance to entertain a crowd. At the same time they are giving their all from deep within-- the love for themselves. The latter is so important and is often forgotten by a multitude that goes to see the the cocacola bottle exemplified and the highest cheeks.

I will be there to see a bit of it all. I want to have a first hand opinion ;).

This here is one where you don't want to read about it.........let the pictures speak for themselves.

C U THERE AS SHE VIES!

You call THAT a consultation?

2011-08-30T19:52:00.005-06:00

As I watch the television blitz of advertisements that WE the taxpayers are paying for, I am appalled at what happened at Corozal's version of the "Ninth Amendment to Belize's Constitution consultation". These "consultations" remind me of when I see someone that goes on tv and says "we will organize a BIG weekend...we will have lime and spoon, tug-a-war and sports." These consultations are a farce and do no less than insult thinking Belizeans.

When I go on a consultation with a doctor, I wish to ask him questions, tell him how I feel and expect him to listen to me explain clearly what I have/feel in order for him to offer a diagnosis. I won't LIE to him. He won't give me pre-prepared questions for me to ask him. He won't hurry me if he does not like the disease that I am feeling. He is supposed to offer a way for my pain to be done away with and to remove anything that caused it in the first place.

How can I say this? The people that I saw line-up were nothing short of non-sensical. They were a group of people that didn't understand what the ninth amendment was all about. I think it was a shame for them to be placed there to go to the microphones and then added shame for the government to use their pictures in partisan political advertisements.

I have heard government leaders say on the face of huge throngs of protesters, "Oh these TEN Thousand people are not the majority." The people that were placed before the microphones in Corozal are not the majority and the only respect I give them is that they are Belizeans and entitled to their opinion. I do not respect their letting themselves to be tricked into speaking of an issue that the vast majority of them were obviously clueless about. Those that sent them into the political jaws are nothing short of cowards.

Students don't let yourself be polarized at this age. The young that were sent there were equally taken advantage of in Corozal. The young have a lot of sprite but there is lots to be desired of those that presented. If you sound too RED or too BLUE you are already on the wrong side. Be intelligent!

I will err on the side of FREEDOM.

ANYTHING that seeks to curtail freedom will be WRONG no questions asked.

The minority of people wreaking havoc on our nation cannot hold the peace lovers--the majority-- to ransom. PM this is not as simple as removing the tint from our vehicle's windows. Why do you think that you will succeed with the ninth when you have not succeeded in untinting the tint from our vehicles' windows?

I suggest you recall the ninth!

The Theme for your 30th & the 9th

2011-08-25T00:34:00.003-06:00

"Honoring our histories, celebrating our cultures, uniting in peace."

I am so not a stickler for themes. For me as soon as it is churned out and presented to us it is already ad nauseum. This year it is no different.

I must say that the graphic as usual is smart. I will assume that it is the same person working n them since they do show continuity year to year. The placement of the Supreme Court building, National Assembly and St. John's Cathedral is nice. I must confess that I do not recognize that section beside the church building...is it the drums?

Each of the three issues alluded to in the themes are gargantuan to be observed much less given credit to at a single September celebration. All in all the populace does not really care.

The populace will celebrate and will love Belize regardless. I love that.

As we inch closer to the September celebrations the debate on the proposed 9th amendment to our dear constitution will collide head on with our celebrating spirit. My... how dare someone say that there is someone born in Belize that is anti-Belizean...the nerve.

For me what is chilling about Nationalization is that the government is teaching our young ones that it is OK to steal. It cannot be refuted that our water, light and telephone infrastructure was built with foreign money. We can argue all day that we in Belize could have done it BUT the fact remains that we did not. Just 10 years ago, water was rationed in the city. Blackouts were a mainstay. Telephone & the 'information superhighway' were growing as fast as the technology allowed it to.

Now as these are established and professional companies.... our government swoops in and GIMME THIS! Well this has happened with BTL and BEL. No payment given for it. However one looks at it, the essence remains a high-level jacking. It was a government-level mugging. Expropriation.... that is a joke. The companies have been stolen.

Then to add insult to injury... the government is attempting to place this high-handed action as part of our country's value system. It is almost like placing a sin in the Ten Commandments just to make it right.

Oh my... then in a divide and conquer type a action. The government calls the Council of Churches led by someone the PM has called a "FOOL" to fool the nation. I don't know why but I keep thinking of these movements as fascist.

Time will tell as to what is really happening here. I pray and wish the best for our country Belize.

New, Old, Blue & Barrowed...the 9th amendment!

2011-08-09T08:18:00.006-06:00

“(9) For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions of this section are all-inclusive and exhaustive and there is no other limitation, whether substantive or procedural, on the power of the National Assembly to alter this Constitution; and a law passed by the National Assembly to alter any of the provisions of this Constitution which is passed in conformity with this section shall not be open to challenge in any court of law on any ground whatsoever.”

Oh mein.... I didn't imagine this!

The "United" "Democratic" Party did not lie to us as they partook in the Feb 2008 General Elections. They set out their manifesto and then they DID say, imagine the rest even if only as possibilities. What was the possibility that Hon. Barrow would attempt to usurp ALL the power unto himself? With an ego the size of anything larger than colossal, something had got to give.

Many of his ministers and him, the PM, made it clear that they had been out in the dry for 10 years. Now they would have the chance to reap the benefits of their newly found administration. Was that in their manifesto or we had to imagine it?

The 13th senator which was passed by them as contitutional law but put the power in the PM's hands as to when he/she should implement it. We have to imagine it!

The government has 'officially' withdrawn the Preventative Detention bill from the proverbial table. They did not say if unofficially it has been removed from the PM's mind. We can only imagine if he is still imagining it. ;)

The Barrow administration 'removed' the Preventative Detention bill from the table for the second time since the people seemed not to like the idea. Instead he is bringing in the 9th amendment that seeks to place beyond our grasp the possibility of us imagining a disagreement with him. With the ouster of our 'big brother', the courts, then we would truly need God as our supreme creator and protector. Prayer is huge people but is the eyes of calamity suffering is bound to instill. Imagine that!

Right now the marriage between the people of Belize and the Barrow-lead government is in crisis. It is doomed not to be rosy all the way to the promised till elections do us part. The new government of 2008, brought in their old bitter philosophy and the barrowed doctrine. The hope for Belize now lies in the blue that the UDP would have wanted to legislate out if they would be given the chance.

Imagine adding a clause to the constitution that says there ought to be only ONE political party.
Raise your hand if you can't wait for Feb. 2013? (ooops that is if they don't legislate that out)

Bonus!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-28T17:00:00.002-06:00

Orange Walkeños were 'blessed' with a second payment of the cane that was delivered by them to the sugar factory. Is it their third payment?...and their second bonus.

Well all in all money is flowing now in the UDP-dubbed sugga city. For me, it will and always is Orange Walk. But not to be a spoil-sport, it is sweet now for many cañeros. I have gone on record to say that our cañeros need to be more savvy in this industry or else they will go the way of the dodos--extinct. They are already in the list of endangered species.

Credit though goes to the Corozal and Orange Walk citizens--namely the cañeros for a job well-done. In the face of factory breakdowns they still over-achieved. It reminds me of people that finally lose weight when the doctor states "if you don't lose weight u will get sick."

It seems that an Honduras-based bank will be buying some considerable shares of BSI or maybe 51percent. If you ask me, let them. I am glad they are not afraid of our prime minister.

On another note, August is around the corner and that means teachers and students are back on the move to school. With this also, Belize becomes more alive in terms of electoral politics and the economy in general.

Brace up Belize......the next 18 months will be pretty interesting. Historic!

Don't call it a comeback!!

2011-07-26T10:43:00.002-06:00

HELLLLOOOOOO there!!!!!

My... it has been quite some time... since October 19th of last year. Why my break? I don't have a reason other than not really being inspired to write. Orange Walk Insight is surely not forgotten by me.

I want to set out a bit the premise of this blog. I bring forth my point of view, an Orange Walkeño to death. My frame of reference comes directly from my Belizean heart and thus I am looking out for the interest of all full-blooded Belizeans. And...mind you... we Belizeans have a wide world view since the great majority have genes from all over the world. Also, I do not really write news...I write down inspirations derived from our society. Just wanting to set the stage again since I intend to write every two weeks once more.

The last time I wrote, duets was winding down and Orange Walk's hopefuls were outvoted. Now a new season has started and again we have a couple of Orange Walk hopefuls...albeit in KTV duets.

Also, the last time I wrote...Belize was mired in controversy with BTL and our government was looking to tamper with our constitution.

Oh wait... now Belize Electricity Limited has been added to the fray, BTL is still a controversy and our government in the person of Dean O. Barrow is still trying to tamper with the constitution. He is tweaking with the constitution to give his 3/4 majority in the house absolute power. The problem with this is that all the changes are merely to satisfy his ego and I daresay his id.

In one fell swoop he intends to muster enough power to do away with the judiciary that is too much of a balancing act. He is afraid that the judiciary can sometimes rule AGAINST him. How dare they? So... he will place into the constitution that they can't rule against amendments that are placed in the constitution. It is like a insert paralyzing the constitution. So he can put into the constitution ANYTHING that the bully in his heart desires.

Mr. Barrow knows that crime is a problem. He knows that attacking crime directly is a ephemeral band-aid. He knows that improving of economic sustainability is key to improving our social woes. But, there is lack of political will and skill from him and those that surround him to do any better. It is a sad state for Belize.

Instead of rearing rabid pitbulls, he should be rearing docile hardworking collies.

Hon. Barrow is an intelligent man gone astray. He is doomed by something as simple as character and personal choices.

In 19 months our majority will wield our veto/endorsement.

Sweet Grapes

2010-10-19T21:52:00.002-06:00

The fox jumped over and over in several attempt to snatch a bunch of grapes. These were just a tad away from where his jumping ability would take him. So he walked away. The fox told an onlooker.... "the grapes seem to be green and are most likely sour. I didn't want them anyway." .....sour grapes.

For our friends called Shake and Bake, such is not the case. Kudos to their strength in character to rise to the occasion and return to Duets to do a performance for the ages. They are now called the People's Champions. I truly believe that. Their untimely exit from the competition raised the ramp of several theories as to why they did not get at least the third highest score. The boogie of "Belize City" controlling it all came to the forefront.

This past Sunday they performed truly for the People in Dangriga to a rousing crowd. They have done the same for umpteenth high schools. They won because of duets. Amit... his spirit was born to entertain. He was born to showboat... in a good and fantastic way.

Elvis and Amit...Amit and Elvis...aka Shake and Bake have ruffled the spirits of Orange Walk and have heated up the stage and imagination at their every performance.

Kudos......

What next?

Duets:S&B

2010-10-03T00:43:00.002-06:00

The popular Channel5 Belize show Duets is moving on to a finale that should have Orange Walkeños at the tip of their SMART fingers. We now have our very own Amit and Elvis making moves that the King of Pop would be willing to sue. Their Michael Jackson moves seemed to have been rubbed directly from the original.

The entire show will be replayed tonight. I will see it again. If u can..watch it again. I was awed the first time around. I am sure the awe will be duplicated.

I know Amit and he has been dancing ever since. I can even recognize some of his earlier presentations as remakes of past presentations. That was truly nostalgic.

But the last presentation, he artistically grew. I am sure now never to go back. The onus on him and Elvis now is to not disappoint. The audience and onlookers are expecting an giant leap up in the ante. Anything less might be disastrous.

Duets (Season 3, Episode 9) from Great Belize Productions Ltd. on Vimeo.

But not meaning to alarm... I wish to inspire them to make heed with their talent. And Orange Walk... Amit and Elvis will do us proud. We can make them good examples on how perseverance and desire can lead you to good things....to glory.

One comment: There is a gargantuan room to move to. The show can truly positively explode onto Belizeans if voting was via ANY cellphone. Grow up guys..... I am sure there is some way to remove the politics from this show. We Belizeans deserve it!

See you next when we should be celebrating somehow.

2010-09-19T15:39:00.002-06:00

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.

God

2010-08-28T22:35:00.002-06:00

Miss Mexico is the new Miss Universe 2010 after a gala of a contest at Las Vegas this past Monday. I watched as the top 15 were being called out and thought 'wow any of these women look as if they belong in the top 15.' And of the top 15, any could be the new Miss Universe. Such was the task of the judges--mere humans who decide on a winner using all their combined expertise, experiences, vantage points, opinions and observations.

I watched Miss Jamaica stride across the stage and thought wow...here is the winner...as she her swimsuit clad body. I did not even compare the points delivered by the judges. Facebook was alive...Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines...well Ukraine might have been lost in the eventual semi-final questions.

Jamaica(IMHO) did not display a great evening gown. Mexico's and the other's were a tad more elegant. The questions were answered more or less at the same level with the Philippines' answer being almost a non-answer. I believed that given the gown that Mexico had edged Jamaica.

Later, Google revealed to me that Miss Jamaica was well-seasoned and it showed. Check for yourself she has been in many a contest. And it showed. Her gait and confidence was super. It was the little things that allowed our neighbour to win. I am so glad for them especially since is of the country so many of us visit everyday.

The next day I was taken aback. LoveFM's headlines was that Miss Jamaica was the runner-up. Why not 'Miss Mexico wins and Miss Jamaica is runner-up' thus giving all our region kudos? Bad move LoveFM.

On the other side of the equation is the world. Some nincompoops are alleging that Jamaica lost since she mentioned God as being the only one that can take a life. Some people think that she should have respected those that do not believe in God.

Oh, how I am so so sorry for humankind or those in humankind that auto-place blinders to God. Why? They are rebels without a cause and oppose for the sake of opposing...sociopaths.

So many of our social ills are rooted in the move away from God. All the gangs, drugs, violence, child abuse, human trafficking, etc. is full of perpetrators that have lost or never had faith in God. This faith has to be instilled at the very early ages of a person's life. Much of this has to come from family and schools.

Operation Jaguar can growl loud enough to blow the dust on the moon but little can it do to curb our society. This will be a slow process that needs to begin from the very fabric of our souls. Yes! It begins when we are babies but us adults have to give in to reason and to God. Us adults have to change many things before we can successfully sow and then reap a new crop of children.

This new crop would then reap all the glory and peace that Belize is ready to offer to Belizeans and the world.

Are their any takers??????

I...love God!!!

Car Security

2010-08-26T08:40:00.002-06:00

http://homesecurity.net/research/theft-proof-car/

Tacking

2010-08-25T22:52:00.002-06:00

Yesterday the People's United Party with representation from most of Belize's constituencies cast votes that supported Orange Walk's very own as leader of the Party. This comes at a time that is crucial in the bid to return Belize on to the path of economic Independence and away from the politics of anger, frustration and vengeance. This is to be followed by a full fledged convention which will start the swing of the nation to IM Dean that his ego-trip of an administration is already into its lame duck stage.

All this is to the expense of our Belize. But we are resilient; we will survive; we are learning. Ironically for the UDP it seems that the only restoration that Belize is experiencing is a draw away from imagining the horrible possibilities. The problem with the UDP perception of their plan for our jewel is that they had none. All they had was conjecture and the hope that their experimentation with Belizeans would work.

It is all a sad state of affairs.

It it premature to go to a countdown to calling Juan Antonio Briceño the 5th Prime Minister of Belize?

I can see the tacking.

Inquiring minds wanna know

2010-08-22T15:48:00.003-06:00

I was watching the OPEN PAKI show and have the following questions.

Did the posturing as potential candidate for Orange Walk East feel that since he was appointed to the BNE Trust by the government then he should be Trusted? How novel.

The other person in charge at the trust is calling OW a home. Was there any clarification as to the contents of this website?

Yerwood turmoil is reflected in internal e-mails

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/stamford-ct/TD2KUR23GS7PTET9I

So from Appeals Court to SSB to UN Ambassador to Central Bank to BTL to BNE Trust, wow the nepotism is rampant.

Wow what a platform of transparency. Maybe all is transparent for the Prime Minister now. Next will be our phone calls...well officially.

Sunk Cost Fallacy

2010-08-20T12:14:00.002-06:00

I stumbled across an article that fed into this term. Like so many things in our lives, it was unknown...or so I thought. As I read it shone light unto a phenomenon that is definitely around us everyday and during our decision-making processes.

Remember those times when you felt that you have invested too much money, time, effort, love, or some other personal resource that you cannot go back. You feel that if you go back that you will lose all that you have invested.

Sunk cost means that you have irreversibly spent the resource and it is irretrievable. What you get back will be another resource... different money etc. Many-a-times though we know deep down that the odds of getting back what we have spent is very small or not even there. We cling to hope; we are blinded by pride.

Some mental accounting will let you realize that what is left for you to spend will only continue increasing your losses. The decision is sometimes hard but it is up to you to make it.

I look at our Belizean lives and felt that we are definitely guilty of this fallacy. It is a part of our being human. Also, it is important for us to be able to decide when enough has been spent on an item/section/event in our life and say no more.

I am sure we have all battled with decisions. The angle here is "Will the continued investment be worthwhile and allow us to get back even what has been spent?"

Maybe we will be satisfied that we will get back something but the loss is often hidden in stress, anguish and time. This is what makes it a sunk cost fallacy.

Has the same root as the spanish word 'fallar.'

Cockamamie

2010-08-07T22:54:00.003-06:00

The House of Representatives met on Friday August 6, 2010. This the legislative branch of our Bicameral system of government led by the United Democratic Party again proved to the nation that the system is beyond the need to reform; there might be the need for a total overhaul. The problem now with the UDP is that since the time of the SIS in the eighties they seem to be in love with stealth ways of supposedly getting things done. It is up to public perception and opinion that they are already doing some of the same things that they deem to make legal now.

Restore Belize... I am not sure if this is a misnomer but I am sure that Belize needs an about turn and to move way beyond where we were before.

The situation especially in the city of Belize shows that someone is not content with the status quo and that they are hell bent with turning it to their own way of thinking. I know someone who likes to allude to the devil and hell.

Again for those that might understand what I am saying. The Prime Minister has it wrong from the onset. I do not sit in his cabinet room but I do see how he presents. The ire and bitterness of the presentation is translated directly into his speech presentation. What is he still opposing? The spirit of proposing seems to have been lost many many years ago.

Unfortunately the powers that be in Belize cannot even be trusted with our passports or our driver's license database. We already suspect that they are routinely listening to phone calls of persons deemed persona non grata, not even criminals. How else would they know that it works? If they know it works because George Bush instituted it in the USA, all this is borne in fallacy.

I suggest that they invest their dollars in Crime Scene Investigation techniques which go hand in hand with the promised DNA lab. The processing of crime scenes is so much more detrimental to the conviction of a suspect than listening in to phone calls.

By the way, the Bush Administration has this phone call interception more as an anti-terrorism ploy than against gang warfare.

Mada fish... the poor southern minister lived at the Natural Resources department between 1998 and 2008. In all that time all he could come up with was that a few stamps or signatures were not processed. OOOOPppsss sorry for going astray like that.

Do we trust the UDP to have the good intentions, money and technological know-how to implement all of this crime bill? Or does it sound all cockamamie?

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™

2010-06-09T11:24:00.001-06:00

One-Hit Wonders

2010-04-15T14:51:00.004-06:00

Goodday everyone,

Let me get to the point directly, VIOLENCE...Here in Orange Walk we are afraid to go to the city since all we hear about is that the zinc fences are becoming virtual 'gratahs." Bullets flying everywhere. Everyone that is killed was shot for 'no reason' at all. These murdered youths truly could NOT have been shot for any good reason but the killers DO have some reason. Most of the time we will never know what these reasons are. All we see is the often sensationalized incidents and scenes of the next of kin crying in desperation and helplessness.

The other day, a person from Orange Walk was driving a bus all the way by Benque and he became part of what was justice...too real justice...at the hand of our citizens. It takes courage and some skill. If you fail and are not swift with an action like that you can end up killed. In this instance a robber was mauled to death. This is still a horrible episode for those that witnessed this act. It is still a human being being killed albeit for a "good" reason at the time. The bandit that was mauled to death was not killed for holding up the bus. He received the wrath of Belizeans fed up with criminals especially those who manage to get off on a technicality. Belizeans on another occasion might have held the person after a beating maybe and taken him to a police station. No so this time. Unfortunate for him.

Violence managed to infiltrate the ending of a village council election in a village in Northern Orange Walk. Senseless if you ask me. Belizean elections are supposed to be more and more a show of our civility... not the loss of it. The leaders of both parties should condemn actions like this by their followers. I would say... if you are unruly please do not follow me. Don't argue that you were defending yourself after you were an instigator.

Our village councils will be our most recent referendum on Belmopan. The Belizean government of the day feels that they have to govern from a position of monsterhood. They feel the need to empty out every drop of ire built over the last decade. As they are detoxifying themselves the citizenry are hurting and suffering. The immature blaming of the past government for the ills of today helps no one. It reminds me of us growing up as children and crying to our moms "Ma, I kick she because she mi tease me and pinch meee!" LOL(had to use this here)

Our village councils should follow the letter of the law and forget about parties for a while. Vote for the best people in your little village. You are too small to be divided. If you are divided for the elections, hurry accept whomsoever wins and rally behind that set of people. Your villages will never prosper if only some people are working for the village. It has to be all villagers.

Our villages will be the first step. A repeat of what happened in 1997-98 will ensue. The UDP government will call elections to the very last day. And they will go down as the latest version of their party's one-hit wonders. Too bad for Belize. We need a worthy adversary for the PUP... not one full of distaste. I will never like governments that have too many seats in the house and ALL the town councils and city councils. That formula in our little Belize is unhealthy.

We want someday to place our jewel on a beacon for the world to admire.

Dean Precedent

2010-03-17T10:43:00.004-06:00

I have been to or listened to Budget speeches that involved Dean Barrow for many many years and he has been verbally uncouth whenever the standing orders allowed him...or not. Over the years, he has glistened in his wrath. So his disparage this past Monday in a super ego trip came as no surprise to me. In previous postings, I have said that I do not want my Prime Minister to be oozing hate and be involved in verbal mischief. It irks me and mellows me to see it happening especially since he represents the nation, our jewel. I refuse to believe that our nation wants to see that public display of uncontrolled ire.

Lately there have been many attempts by our government to place their use of words on the pedestal of lexicons displayed by dictionaries. It would be novel and positively revealing from them to use as reference the Holy Bible. I have not been informed by Google(humour) that the dictionary is a bastion of good moral standing. The dictionary is more or less neutral; it displays heavenly angels as well as satanic demons.

Dean is proving over and over again that he is a Category Five on the "dutty mouth" scale. That category does not allow him to be far from having a lowly spirit. Belize's NEMO should have been urgently activated by default. As a Belizean I am asking for the Prime Minister to apologize to the nation to have reached to this low. I really don't care if Dean Barrow shows any remorse, if that is possible. Let me reiterate. Dean Barrow can remain unrepentant but our Prime Minister must officially apologize.

In our Internet age, the world is watching and I as a Belizean refuse to let vitriolic rants by our prime Minister be displayed globally. I am not even asking for his resignation. I get the itch that our Belizean populace will take care of that electoral flogging when the time comes AND if he signs in to another championship fight.

I wonder if Dean Barrow will again "campaign like the devil?"

I wonder if Dean Barrow is self-imposing "a sustained campaign of civil disobedience?"

Other questions are "Does Dean Barrow really care for the electorate and Belizean people?" and Does Dean Barrow believe that the Prime Minister is an office below him?"

n.b. Notice that I did not say what the Prime Minister said on March 15, 2010. I wish not to insult you all with its repetition. Maybe I did say HOW he speaks. Such is the precedent.

Move over Bliss... Barry is there!

2010-03-01T22:05:00.005-06:00

Barry Bowen died on Friday February 26, 2010. His fate and that of some others was sealed after doing something that he did practically everyday of his recent life--flying.

Belize has gained so much from the life of this one man. Now he is gone...or is he?

Barry constantly looked for growth and he did that in several ways for Belize. He had a little nation in our forests--Chan Chich. His enterprise in Belize was parred by no one. From water to shrimp to cocacola, he was ready to build world class establishments.

I can safely say that he buffed our jewel making it shine for the world. And he did so without much ado.

The buffing of our jewel is left for us to continue with earnest. Belizeans....! We had been doing it anyway but it is now present that an important driving force has left. Then again, his spirit is here in so many ways.

If you ask me... BARON BLISS has nothing over BARRY BOWEN!.. Just a thought.

Bliss

2010-02-17T17:51:00.004-06:00

For my Belizeans with Chinese backgrounds, Happy New Year... dunno how to say that in Mandarin.

For my Belizeans in the USA and live in New Orleans... Your Fat Tuesday has just revelled by...Not to mention the spirituous win for the ages by the Saints.

For us lovers(those with LOVE embossed into their HEARTS), I wish dearly that your Valentine desires live on. The low temperature breezes are no match for our warmth.

The world today enters in a period of Lent. Orange Walk is made of mostly Christians; and also of Catholics who today observe Ash Wednesday. It is so appropriate that St. Valentine's Day had just went by since the greatest show of Love is being observed now.

I apologize for my not posting now for almost two months now. No circumstance really is the culprit other than lack of inspiration. I think I had revealed previously that I am not fashioned a la newspaper in the quest to write news.

This weekend I watched Orange Walkeños go to WAR(Rosie), attending fairs, in buses to Chetumal, carrying flowers, eating chocolates, listening to the Valentine Day Cycling Classic, dressed well-spic, and in general bustling. Such are the clues that life goes on.

Not lost in my Belizean mind are some conspicuous anniversaries went by: The cane farmers strike that was ended for all it was worth with a death that only God knows if that was worth the strife.
Also, the Government of Belize is trying hard to be that now in the third year of their administration.

As I said, life goes on. A mistake of this government that was monumental from the on start was their effort to predict on the economy. I believe this is right there in line with their erring ways with Free Education, and the first version of VAT with the bloated percentage. Not lost in my mind are the promises of harnessing the prices of electricity and fuel. Laissez faire is definitely not the way to go. But, modern governments need to find the balance between allowing markets to flourish whilst addressing economic needs with proper legislation and policy.

You name it it is controversial: The New Education Act, Contracting Belizean economy, Telecommunications, Citrus, Sugar, Electricity, City/Town Councils and the Oil Industry. These controversies are still being blamed on the previous government. NOW, it is time to grow up and leave the "LAST ADMINISTRATION" is the dust. This is advise for any government of Belize. Intelligent Belizean people want to know what you are doing to effectively advance the continual development of Belize and not what was done(or not) years ago. Those are lessons learned and it is wasted time to attempt to shroud the ineffectiveness NOW with the past.

This coming Friday, and Education act will be railroaded through the House of Representatives either in an attempt to quell egos or to try to balance the budget with money that should be for education. Too bad that sometimes it is folly to be wise.

See you soon!

2010

2010-01-03T21:45:00.002-06:00

And so we start a new year!

How was the last year for you? Will this new one be any better for you?

This year some of us might want to try a New Year's revolution. Yes!... not resolution. Year in and year out we resolve to do something by setting a goal that is soon forgotten. We do this with many things in our lives.

A New Year's revolution is a peaceful fight to make things better for ourselves, those around us and those that indirectly depend on us. Even it you do not believe it... this amounts to a lot of people in the world.

Our smiles, decisions, works, and sheer desire spreads around the world everyday.

It is so so easy to spread a serious faces, indecision, loneliness, and carelessness. This happens since we do not believe that we matter. We do!

Here in lovely Orange Walk... love each other. Do it with fervour. Feel it from deep within.

The love of God that is within all of us is basic and grandiose at the same time. Let it ooze out of everything that you do. Life comes only from there... no where else.

Happy New Year!....and let us do a turn around(a revolution)!

Until!

Pithy

2009-11-24T20:02:00.002-06:00

Anyone into the Thanksgiving celebration? I like the turkey and the food. If you don't like turkey and Thanksgiving in general, don't hate. All you should do is eat the food and say yummy... and that is it. NO BIG DEAL!

The cool weather will soon be here San the rain.

Mein... Christmas........, the feeling is unequaled.

Later.

Omnium-gatherum

2009-11-21T22:31:00.002-06:00

The motley crew that feigns at governance of our jewel has approached monumental more than once in terms of errors, malice, uncouthness, and the Pinocchio syndrome. I'm sorry... I had to start with a statement like that. I believe that my readers are highly intelligent. I know that they are questioning everything I write(when they read). ;)

POINT: I truly believe that when you are governing from a position of revenge; you will inordinately sour everything you touch and bitter all your decisions.

The United Democratic Party are in government today since the Belizeans "had no other alternative."... or so the present Prime Minister heartily said before the February 7, 2008 elections. Was he right?

The PUP was riddled with too much baggage collected after 10 years of reigning. Electorates in Belize, maybe elsewhere too, expect the worse of the politicians. The 'small' size of the Belizean population limits the characters in play. Those three factors destroys even saints in our fledgling democracy.

The UDP has added to that list the bitterness gathered over the years while being in the opposition. It is a sad case for Belize. They make decision after decision fueled by this post-opposition syndrome. It is documented everywhere; they are guilty of draconic victimization, land seizures, corporate vicious takeovers, corporate bullying, Super-nepotism all in the name of making the PUP pay for the past ills.

What about moving forward and keeping a nation in the path of growth? The nation has officially moved from recession to contraction. So the economy was not only growing slower but it is getting smaller. All the energies went into the wrong place.

PLEASE! Let's not blame the world economy for this one. The world economy is rebounding. The PM himself said and almost boasted that Belize will be spared economic woes. He said this when the world was crumbling economically last year.

Hey Orange Walk! We have our own circus in town. They are based right off Queen Victoria Avenue and just beside the taxi stands. It is very close to the oppressed market vendors who will be the next to get the monumental 'pinch.'

My question is this: Should Belize Telemedia Corporation have a monopoly over the cable that lands on Belize of The Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1)?

Belize needs NO malice...only JOY!

2009-10-26T22:00:00.006-06:00

This past Saturday the powers of our country met for separate reasons specifically but for the same in general. Everyone wants the best for the jewel and its people. Many a times, this requires difficult decisions and sometimes unwanted solutions. The two major parties in Belize are fighting for dear life...for dear vitality...and long term viability. One has a mayor gone astray--if you ask me she was always a bumbling-stumbling image of falsities that managed to cast herself unto people as a city-saviour. The other has a cancer even if it is a misdiagnosed one.

Perception is an intangible that will always swerve mostly where it is bliss. The wiser one gets the less the masses care or the more they think they are being deceived. Going way back to 1984, people were heard saying "My dog wudda win ina dis election gainst the govament." Such is the same this past 2008 and all the elections in the same time period.

The law of averages does not give any party the ability to field almost no candidate that is not any good. The odds are swayed by perceived malice. Such a state needs to be blotted out.

All in all I think that this weekend was a historical one for Belize. Time well tell on the accuracy of that statement and my projected veracity. Who knows?

Let me sway to a totally other topic. Halloween is here... so how are you celebrating it Orange Walk. I know at this time of the year there are various cavalcades going around town trick and treating. Hey... dont be mean. Prepare some treats for the kids. The JOY that u share is THE thing. Sometimes this joy is topped only by... you know... that day that is exactly 60 days away from today Monday.

Enjoy these pictures.I had promised this one a long time ago!

The unravelling of the IMAGINATION

2009-10-06T00:44:00.002-06:00

The leaders of our nation Belize were casually dressed this past Saturday October 3, 2009 at their building built on 'dollar' land. The deputy from our dear town was in his usual shorts and late. They were trying hard to show that everything was under control. They were at odds to truly understand that they were not only imagining a crisis but that they were living one.

The country that they pledged to lead in a corrupt-free style was being blindfolded with a charade against one of their very own that they have felt is disposable.

Our lawyer leader balked at the question that if there are other members of his party that are corrupt why are they not being persecuted for prosecution. He said, "where is the evidence that others are corrupt?"

It might be true that the one that was hunted and maybe even setup to be transparently corrupt is now being paraded as a scapegoat. So sad that she is now being held as a role model by some. She with all her incorrect way of spitting words, her bitterness, her lies about being a union-leader and her obvious corrupt ways seem to be the best that the status quo of Belize can muster.

Let me be consistent, I do not want my leader spewing venom. My leader needs to be cool even in the face of heat.

In our prayers we should have Belize, that we fare off well. The people that we voted in a leaders are witless and crass.

We will survive and in our democracy we will. We are still growing and learning. We now know what we should have imagined before.

The difficulty was to imagine what others were conspiring.

Have Faith!

2009-09-07T22:53:00.003-06:00

Now something to be proud of....

I do not have much words to say....
CONGRATULATIONS! Miss Bodyfigure

http://www.reporter.bz/article/Sports/3724/

The Return of the Dinosaurs to the Monster BTL

2009-08-25T02:20:00.004-06:00

Manuel Esquivel and Nestor Vasquez is/are exactly what the Belizean people VOTED out in 1989 and 1998. Esquivel had GIVEN himself shares in BTL still in my mind unexplained for and Net Vasquez was the failed CEO of three of our utility companies. Talk about stepping BACK... this is a super understatement.

Barrows anger as he delivered his Bill(Monday August 24 2009) in a Neo-Castro move to the Belizean Nation was nothing short of unhealthy and an ultra-rush to please his id. His ego is satisfied.

I had said this before. The UDP is basically an ANGRY bunch of people whose psychological blindfolds make them oblivious to the fact that they are dealing with people...Belizeans. I do not want to see my Prime Minister ranting and raving, even if he is doing something that is right. He sounded MALICIOUS... and BITTER.... and definitely dispicable. He has lost the sense of proposing most of what he does is oppose.

The crux of life comes in how you do things and the state of your heart when doing these things. This trumps(the latest favorite word) the actual words that are being uttered to do these things.

And by the way, Mr. Speaker... I urge you to start asking the Representatives, especially the inglorious ones, to stop calling you MISTA SPEEKAH. When accent forces you to pronouce it in that manner it is slightly OK. But if it comes from uneducated minds of mis-posted Ministers then it becomes poignant and downright erroneous in our ENGLISH-speaking parliament.

Oh, Mr. Speaker, our Prime Minister did say in his speech that someone on the other side LIED. Should you not have given him a little reprimand or were you sitting too hard.

Anyway, this is my piece. We will see... Hopefully BTL does not become just another of our government's holds. Hopefully it will not need to be hauled down St. Thomas to the KHMH for a financial infarction after its antiquated articles and leaders (can they use a computer?) slip it into a chasm.

Oh my!... All I can think right now is that it will become a bastion of Cronyism and Nepotism... Tell me NO... Mr. Barrow... and when you say know no!... Say how you will stop it.

Your own ministers and you have said at OUR national assembly that you are cancered by political whims.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Denzel and Normando

2009-08-22T23:27:00.004-06:00

Hey Orange Walk...
I know many of us are Smart but we need to find a way to get our lee vote/s in for Denzel and Normando via Digicel.

I am sure u can use this Sunday to text vote for them. THREE

Normando can be found online at this address.

If we all vote for them... Orange Walk will look good or like we all seh... wicked. Moreover, they are entertaining... shows a nice level of talent. SUPPORT!

You can see them online here.

Or of course you can hear the results this Tuesday at 9:00 pm on Channel 5.

Hey will be seeing you all...

Misinterpretation!.... and some FUN!

2009-08-10T20:00:00.006-06:00

Being disingenuous seems to be our Belizean government's modus operandi. This time around they have played with video of a public Belizean style 'consultation' and showed some obviously PUP Orange Walkeños thanking them for being there. This was called democracy. It is democracy; but the Ad is a misuse of democracy.

The real reason for the UDP personas and their country tour of consultations needs to be brought to light. They are machine-gun style issuing out "consultations" due to international pressure to show some semblance of democracy; if not they will be unsuccessful at loan bids, and at achieving political mileage.

The opposition will undoubtedly show the other half of the coin where the proposed 7th amendments to our Belizean constitution was being bashed. This set of amendments seem to be as pointless as blunt can be. Where and why were these cooked up? I dare say that the panelists of the day did not even know. These amendments are to akin to a Belizean building an igloo when the RED TWO hurricane warning flag is out.

They should be focusing on our blighted economy...not amendments or ill-conceived commissions.

I really hate to attack personalities but the overweight dude that is over and over shooting out these ill-conceived Ads is attacking, first, the intelligence of the people who voted in the UDP. And conversely, he is trying to seek out people that are not informed and then mislead them.

On a positive note: Let us unify our collective prayers and hurrays for the team that is representing you and me in Cancun. Let us hope that FIBA has not turned our games to a mere exhibition.

On another Orange Walkeño note: Super Kudos to Edward Reyes for placing third in the junior version of the Tour de Belize. He is our Lance... and someday he might make that sprint for the roses. Hey!... It is all in his heart!

Sad news for some... and good news for Belize...21 days and the formal education of ALL our citizens would have resumed. I know WE all happy for THAT! Yeah right...................

July is OVER

2009-07-25T20:36:00.002-06:00

July is over peeps... REALLY! Depending who you are, your vacation continues or your reality will suddenly unravel in front of you!

School, work, return to your home, whatever... life will go on. What you need to remember is that July was part of your life and that there will be another one. It will never be the same and it is up to you to let it be memorable.

Hey! I just came by to say hi...

I apologize for being normal... I am also being lazy and not posting stuff. I can still remember that I am suppose to upload some video... maybe I still do.

Keep those good hygiene habits... we let our guards down... well a bit and the lil pandemic made it to Belize. Use globs of hand sanitizers and if YOU sneeze cover up man/gial...

Hey... keep on ticking...

OW Unhealthy CARING!

2009-07-07T19:10:00.003-06:00

Hey... wassup with our Orange Walkeños making us in Orange Walk looking bad. It is like a host of us there at the KHMH are causing havoc. I guess since the Prime Minister sputtered that it is OK to grab given that the PUP had done so for 10 years then they are doing it at the countries primary healthcare giving institution. Of course the caring and sharing UDP style goes all the way to the pockets of the next of kin of the OW Mayor's family... not to the Mayor right?

One KHMH board member could not get a candidacy to be standard bearer so they installed him at the KHMH; the other ruled (or tried to) rule over the haphazard past Mayor and failed so again he deserved the KHMH. Actually he succeeded in getting the ex-boss a BRAND new home. Then again the Mayor might allude that it all happened magically just like the urine test.

By jove, how can failures be placed to run one of our most hallowed institutions. Most of our poor people bank their lives within those walls. I know I have been there a few times, at least to visit family. Yes, all the way from Orange Walk.

Lastly, if our resources are being carnally known can we feasibly continue calling them "natural?" I guess if you are an expert at insurance then you will be an expert at insuring that when you are out in 2012 that you are set!

I will keep this one short since I am not proud to complain.

Sorry Belize... a putsch might be tempting but we are not Honduras... we need to FIX THE ENTIRE POLITICAL SYSTEM!

Heads will ROLL!

2009-06-22T21:11:00.003-06:00

Is it only me or our Prime Minister is scrambling out governance in a fashion that is eerily close to nonsensical. I have went on record sometime ago by 'bigging up' his manner of speaking. Lately, the wrath of the the prime ministerial daily vicissitudes seem to have gotten the best of him. At the house sitting of June 18, 2009 he was trying to convince himself that what he was saying was at least sane.

It seems that the habits of opposing everything did get so deeply ingrained that PROPOSING is a veritable challenge, for the entire governing side. English seems to be a pain even for the one on the government side that is charged with teaching it in a large scale.

I will concede that health or the service to it will never be a smooth running engine. The better it gets someone will still blame it when their loved one dies. Health is therefore is always last in the pageants of the most sucessful ministries. It does not help either when the Prime Minister did not have much to choose from.

The PM was in a self-imposed precarious position. He had a blend of being spiteful and trying not to spite himself. A careful look is that all he did with the ministries was to mirror what the previous admin had. That defintely happened in Natural Resources, and Health and now we can see the fiasco these two are brewing.

The other morning I was listening to the minister of health on a talk show. It was sad. I do not even know if I can call him a politician. I am sure he did not know what he was getting into. Something else that I am sure of is that the Belizean peeps do not deserve him at the helm of that monster ministry. I respect him as a human but after that...hmmm. If he cannot do the job then he should say so. His CEO, I am sure feels for him. One can easily notice it.

Class went right out the window when the PM said "heads will roll" in talking about the over-pricing at the KHMH. He speaks too rabidly to be a PM and as I said... lately he is incoherent.

On a slightly different note: RAISE your hand if you were not educated by the church-state system at any time of your life.

Our PM's mini-general wannabe is kicking sand into his own face. He is chewing into the poison homegrown by his party. He is as rogue as rogue can get nowadays. He is making appearances in places in an effort to show that he is the de facto leader. WRONG! I do believe his MED is in danger of being repealed. Leadership does not arise from showing power; Leadership is an intangible that oozes out naturally without the utter of "but I am the MOE."

The pitter-patter of his steps have been heard as his triumvirate is trying to impose a host of changes to the education system of this country. Dare I say that the dictatorial efforts were nowhere taught in the classes bestowed unto him.

All this is brewing the ire of the church who sees their mission in jeopardy. The opposing mission seems to be one that wishes to strip Belize of quality education it deserves and to impose the 'quality' of education that is seen in their government-run system.

It is so sad to see the dinosaur leader of a union providing his opinion as if it were the opinion of thousands. I always wondered how, in this day and age, he is still allowed to call himself a union. There are so many ways to collect the opinion of his teachers so when he goes to consultations he could STOP using his opinions and use those of the latest poll of his teachers.

For example, in a very unscientific but SO USEFUL way there is a petition going on the internet that seeks to digitize the opinions of as many Belizeans as possible. Of course, I would hope that with the passage of time there is a more traditional petition. My point is that if I am paying to be part of a union, I could have a password and vote for given Union stances.

Anyway peeps, hope u did read the above rant. See I am a believer of God and not so much of spite. I do believe that our government should stop governing out of spite and govern for the greater good.

I suggest that LARGE heads roll!

UNTIL!

Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 08:24:45 UTC

2009-06-06T12:24:00.004-06:00

Did you feel it? U mih get fryten? Gial me nayly sh.... mih pants. Me noh feel nuthin.

The myth that Belize was not in the earthquake "belt" was shattered that Thursday when when most Belizeans felt a shake that had none of their favorite flavor. So unaccustomed to seismic events many felt deep within that Armageddon was finally setting in. And what makes that so frightening is that maybe we were not ready for that final "last day." It was not supposed to happen May 28; what is so special about that day?

We were supposed to be told ONE more time that we ought to be GOOD.

We were supposed to be given the millionth chance to repent.

Why did not one tell us an earthquake was coming? We needed to buy our bottles of water and potted meat.

This phenomenon raised many questions on our preparation for the next day. It shone light on the reality that all our worldly preparations for degrees and beauty and riches will all be meaningless without that last call to the creator.

Many of us are still reeling after the event. Stop reeling and let's prepare ourselves for the real one.

My apologies for the huge break in the blogs... needed it.

See ya next time

Mid-May Mooring

2009-05-12T09:35:00.002-06:00

The swine flu....ooops... the Influenza A, H1N1 virus is hopefully now on the end of its course, for this year. Belize has been spared, or so it seems, thanks to the good Lord and the efforts of each one of us to basically be clean. The people at Health and Agriculture are strumming the strings of triumph since now they can say "see, we did not over-react, thanks to our being proactive we are flu-free." There might not be any scientific way of claiming that to be true; so in that light, they do deserve some commendation. So when will the same happen for the Human Immuno Virus I and II?

Yesterday the USA claimed championship on having the most Swine flu cases in terms of single countries. But of course they do. While the Cat 5 level by WHO made us close concerts and fairs and AGM's and conventions, all we need to do is to turn on the TV set and you would see the NBA playoffs in FULL swing with thousands of people gathered even in Dallas and Los Angeles that are "close to the border." A determined and careful look did not reveal any surgical masks. The common opinion is that 'they can afford it.'

Mid-May in Belize and we hear that the Kendall Causeway flooding...hmmm have you heard that before. We are getting sprinkles already. At about this time, students are thinking of the summer or of graduation or/and jobs or/and next school year. Summer tends to be the time of the year when we have to buckle down and live our lives...just as during the rest of the year. Easter is a memory. Christmas is not close nor far away. For three months there will be no real holiday only vacations. Oh! There is a difference!

I the author here at Insight will try to do what I can to give you a lill slumber or a GIANT spark with words. I will post them as they develop and as fast as the fingers can deliver.

Later...

Dynamic Gravitas...

2009-05-01T20:09:00.005-06:00

If you were to look at an influenza virus through a microscope, it would look like a sphere with many spikes and mushroom shaped objects on its surface.

Hello OW... my last blog was titled Swine Flue... a lesson learned. I wanted you all to get the impression that we were not necessarily in harms way ESPECIALLY if we were extra careful as a town and country. We are doing great up to now. But the buzzer has not sounded we need to keep our guard up.

We watch television and see how the USA is still having mass gatherings. Folks... we do not have that luxury. WE do not have Tamiflu stockpiled by the millions. We are, nevertheless, Swine Flu free.

Or is it H1N1 Free? So what is that?... I did a little research. The Spanish Flu of 1918 killed about 21 million in the USA. There are so many reasons that would not happen today. Maybe the biggest reason is that we are INFORMED.

By the way, that virus was also an H1N1.

The H1N1 refers to the Hemagglutinin type (H1) and Neuraminidase type (N1) there are about 14 H types and 9 N types, and Influenza can have any combination of those. The H and N are molecules that are on the outer virus coat and can be detected by antibodies. Genetic testing of the virus can determine what kinds of flu viruses recombined to make the given virus. There are many flu virus combinations but most occur in birds, but some in swine and some in human. Flu recombines and mutates very rapidly. Pigs, some birds and humans can get flu viruses, sometimes several at a time. Those differenty strains can recombine to make new strains. That is why they have to make a new flu vaccine every year.

The influenza virus changes every season so humans need to be on the tip of their scientific toes.
This season will pass, but like for hurricane seasons, we need to be aware that another might be here next year.

As this pandemic travels over time the gravitas changes but it is always there. This dynamic gravitas should be observed by us all. This is all serious in terms of our basic survival. Health is important if we want to have a longer time of FUN here on earth.

Swine Flu... a lesson for the ages.

2009-04-28T03:46:00.002-06:00

Hi Orange Walkeños... This one is for real. It is like a crazy wave. If we ride it correctly, we will get off unscathed. Do not be afraid. Viruses like the flu tend to mutate quickly; just the same way it came it can go but we need to be careful. I know we are reading this everywhere but if I have it here it will just help to have it one more time.

Being Prepared for Swine Influenza
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease which infects pigs. It does not normally infect humans, although sporadic cases do occur, usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
How contagious is swine flu?
Human-to-human transmission has occurred in some instances but is typically limited to close physical contact and closed groups of people.
Why should I be concerned about swine flu?
If the virus adapts so that it can spread easily from person to person, it could cause a pandemic, resulting in:
• widespread disease outbreaks
• restrictions on the movement of people
• potentially large numbers of sick and dying
• business closures and transport systems disruptions
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
Clinical symptoms generally are similar to seasonal influenza. Infected individuals report:
• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches, headache
• sudden breathing problems
 other possible symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting
What is the difference between flu and a cold?
• Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and can affect the whole body. Flu usually starts suddenly with high fever, chills, severe body aches, extreme tiredness, headache, and dry cough. A person with the flu is contagious for 24 hours before becoming sick and for 3-5 days after becoming sick.
• Colds are generally milder than flu and usually affect just the nose and throat. Colds begin slowly with a sore or scratchy throat, sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose; a mild cough develops a few days later. Fever is rare in adults and older children, and extreme tiredness is not a cold symptom.
How can I prevent swine flu?
Personal health practices
• Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent spread of infections.
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use waterless sanitizing gel if soap and water are unavailable.
– Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose, or using any shared keyboards, phones, or tools.
– Wash your hands prior to touching your face, mouth, or nose, and before eating.
– Wash your hands after contact with any ill person.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Keep your distance – at least 3 feet – from people who are ill, coughing, or sneezing.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Eat, rest, and exercise in moderation.
• Get a regular flu shot if available. This will not prevent swine flu, but it can decrease the chance of confusing regular seasonal flu with swine flu.
• In a pandemic, avoid crowds and public transport.
Vaccines: There are no human swine flu vaccines available yet.
Antiviral medications: Prescription antiviral drugs can help prevent the disease if you have been exposed and can be used to treat swine flu, but supplies are very limited.
How can I prepare at home?
Supply your home with the following:
• cough and congestion supplies: tissues, surgical masks, decongestants, cough suppressants, fever medication
• alcohol-based hand cleaners
• food and water to last for 10-15 days or more, as circumstances dictate
• flashlight and batteries
• reliable thermometer for humans
• clean water supply or home purification system
• sufficient cash (if banks, ATMs are unavailable)
• key documents and ID (passport, government issued IDs, health records, health insurance papers)
• medical supplies including prescription medicines
• pet food
How do I stay healthy at work during a pandemic?
• Wash hands frequently. (See: How can I prevent swine flu?)
• Use disinfecting wipes to clean common surfaces (keyboards, phones, door handles) or use gloves.
• Stay at least 3 feet from people who are sneezing or coughing.
• Carry and use masks as directed by your doctor.
• Cancel non-essential and face-to-face meetings.
• Know who to contact and how (phone, email, hotline) if you have questions about whether you should come to work.
– High absentee rates are likely, so if you are well and able to work you should contact your supervisor.
What if I become ill?
If you or a family member becomes ill with these symptoms:
– sudden congestion or trouble breathing AND
– fever higher than 100.4° F AND
– cough AND
– at least 1 of the following: sore throat, joint aches, muscles aches, or weakness
• Contact your health care provider. Before going to the clinic or hospital, describe your symptoms and any possible exposure to sick people or animals, or travel to swine flu-infected areas.
• Notify your supervisor.
– Do NOT go to work if you develop these symptoms.
– Do NOT go to work if you have been exposed within the past 3 days to someone with flu-like illness.
What if I become ill at work?
• Call your supervisor (do not meet in person) and report your symptoms.
• Stay away from other people, staff, and visitors.
• Put on a mask if instructed to do so.
• Go home if so instructed.
• Call your health care provider.
When can I return to work?
• If you have had a flu-like illness, you can usually return to work (after obtaining clearance from your health care provider and employer) if you:
– have fully recovered
OR
– are on effective antiviral medication
 If you were exposed to someone with flu-like illness, you may return to work after staying home for 3 days (after last exposure), if you have not gotten sick.
Business planning and swine influenza
Plan now to:
• ensure the ability to maintain essential services
• control the spread of disease in the workplace and the community
• reduce the impact on employees and family members
 enhance a speedy recovery

© 2009 Shoreland, Inc.

Expectation

2009-04-21T18:36:00.003-06:00

Easter 2009 is long gone history. And now comes a time of expectation. What will happen next? Depending on where you are in the world then your expectation varies. Let me look into a few.

Will I move on the the next class, will I graduate, will I pass?
Will my son/daughter move on the the next class, will he/she graduate, or pass?
Should I go to summer school?
Books......Tuition......fees.........uniform.........school bag.......$$$$$$$$
Will Belize get hit by a hurricane?
Who will take care of my kids this year?
Maybe I should look for a summer job?
Will I return to school next year?... can I/we afford it?
Wonder where I will spend my vacation time?
Will this summer be hot?
I hope summer goes quickly since business is slow at this time...
Maybe I should look for another job.
I wonder who I will see this summer?
Will it be boring? Will I sleep a lot........?
Will it be hot?... if it is I will go to ............... or will I?
The wedding........................
The birthday party......................
The visitors..........
Can't wait for Christmas.........

And so it is. Our lives are as different as there are people. We are at what is a natural turning point of our yearly lives.

Life is fair.

Life is long.

Your Life is routinely unique and thus inimitable. Live it!...and ENJOY!

Inquiring minds!

2009-04-04T20:10:00.002-06:00

One month after the town council elections and I do not have a clear picture as to how the OW split town council is going to deliver its required services to the town. Our mayor by now should have informed the town how he will work with the 3 plus 3 members of the council. It is not up to him or his political bosses. The people of OW with free ballots elected six people to decide on the issues of the town.

I want to know the plan for OW and how this will be executed.

I want to know how the town administrator will be chosen.

I want to know how the finances of the town are at this moment.

Do I need to remind you that you are there by the whim of the people. Or you have forgotten?

Mr. de la Fuente please report to the town. Or tell us a date when we will get information from you. Do not let us wait until the next election.

The United Democratic Party were elected even as they were losing votes en masse. The UDP lost a significant amount of votes all over our country. This goes to show that their landslide victory in Feb of 2008 was gargantuan. If you win an election by 1000 votes and, then, one year later win again but this time only by a couple of hundred, this means that you lost the support of 800 people. There isn't much joy in that. You cannot focus on the win. Democratic elections are not like sports where winning is everything. Free and open elections tell you if people want you to lead them for a specific amount of time.

The bottomline is that inquiring minds want to know. How will the new OW mayor employ the services of the six town councillors?

Hot Cross Buns etc.

2009-04-01T18:02:00.002-06:00

Hey OW peeps and the world....

I am back to weigh in with some thoughts.

Most of the town and Belize is looking forward to the Easter Break. As of Friday April 3, many people disappear and for all intents and purposes gone until April 14 when the reality of everyday life sets in...work or school.

I have been close to God and Jesus since ever and will be so till the last. I like to go with the time and not step too much ahead. For example, last year people were sending greetings and having Christmas events even before December not to mention Advent for the Catholic church. Now at this time people are greeting themselves Happy Easter when really we are not there yet.

Oh!!!... and also, Easter and Christmas is a period of time not one day. But the imprint of commercialization of these two days crescendo unto a climax that plummets almost to zero for everyone on the day after. But I must say that we do celebrate the plateau of the day-long climax with lots of gusto.

Good Friday is often overlooked in the expectation of the glorious resurrection but it is there. The fish, the Hot Cross Buns, the somber day, the praying, the new clothes for the procession (for Catholics). This is the one day of the year when the town goes to a total standstill especially in the afternoon. We go to sleep early.

And BOOM... Holy Saturday is the run for roses...the Belize Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic. Many radios are on. Today much more Orange Walkeños are in the race than ever before. Some people jump into their vehicles getting an early start to the coming Easter. The movement has started.

Everyone hopes that the sun will be shining and that they will be able to display that body for once. The dieting did work. Or did it?

Saturday afternoon is the last day to cover details for the big Sunday. The eggs are ready to be hidden and found. The chocolates are ready to be relished by all.

OOOOO the water, the sun, the breeze, the relaxation, the drinks, the food, the drinks, the FUN. Everyone calls or texts everyone.

Then the day is over. We head back home. Satisfaction has to be guaranteed by oneself. It is until next year all over again.

Easter Monday is a gift for all to reboot ourselves back to reality.

And Tuesday... Oh by the way.... on Easter Tuesday, back to routine.

Selective Transparency

2009-03-25T19:36:00.004-06:00

"The UDP has won the elections. YEAH! YEAH! They promised to be a transparent government. YES! Belize will be betta. Out with the PUP and the corruption. They were not transparent. The PUP were corrupt. Nobody knew what they were doing since the PUP were NOT transparent.

And since no one knew what they were doing we KNOW that they were corrupt."

Hi Everyone! So glad that you are reading my little rantings. Thank you. I was on the road yesterday and was toggling with the logic of the word transparent.

First, let me supply my opinion on government transparency.

I believe that governments cannot tell the people everything. Even if they want to do so, they will never tell us all. First there is the impossibility, next there is the security issue and thirdly there is the societal reality. People hate bad news and governments will always try to find a way not to give us the bad news unless they have to do it.

So why lie and tell people that they will be an open government and not have secrecy. I would not want a government that does not have confidential stuff. Not even in a state of utopia would that happen.

Transparency literally means that you can see through and through and that things are clear. This can only happen in perception with governments. So if a government is transparent what does it mean? It is said over and over. If it means that we will know how every penny is spent. No can do. A lie. Accounting systems are not that detailed and not in Belize and not even in the wealthy USA. What else can it mean?

I have put one day of thinking into this and all I could come up with is that it sounds good.

WE WILL BE TRANSPARENT! (Please do not ask for a definition.)

Some try to define it by saying that the books will be audited every so often and a report will be made. And when people see these reports, say, every six months, we will say(or will we) "Yes, this government is transparent." Or we will wonder, what are they hiding?

This is elementary, the reports will not have all the answers.

At best, the report will be selectively transparent. The 'financials' will show what they want us to see.

The UDP Political slogan would be more truthful if it would have said "Continuing to be Selectively Transparent", that would hold more of the truth. Then again the perception will be that they are lying about something.

A vicious circle people. Maybe the word transparency should be shelved. It does not exist in political circles. Its buzz is indefinable.

There I got that out of me. Phew!

In an earlier blog, I took a line from our National Anthem that is super powerful. Sing along with me... By the MIGHT of TRUTH and the GRACE of GOD...

When we speak, let us just say the TRUTH... can one be more transparent?

World Cup Football and a Car

2009-03-24T18:21:00.004-06:00

I want to share these with you. I have the GOLD one for the football wp but will reserve that for later. Then again you might have it already. WOW of a car, huh?

Haters

2009-03-23T18:20:00.007-06:00

Intelligentsia... The Russian form for 'the educated people in our society' has a flair that rings in my ears. The ring is sweet. This honey is one that I would like to daub all over us. We all ought to start from scratch. Let us notice, and squeeze from our surroundings that that we are oblivious to from our everyday lives.

I will make a list. And my challenge to you is think... 'Do I do that?'

Be amazed by a rainbow or a double rainbow... one is inverted.
Think that dogs are talking to us as they bark.
Walk in a garden after the rain and see how the rain beads on the petals of that rose.
It is raining and you do not run. You are wet and feel rushed with energy.
Wait for the next full moon... and eclipse... and stars... and dusk... then dawn (with a lil yawn).
Count seconds after a flash of lightning waiting for the thunder... and all the crackles.
Go to a Caye or somewhere only to see the sun rise and breathe in the air.

Are you thinking...'Do I do that?'

Next 7...

Are amazed with technology...even though you own the latest Ipod and fastest of computers.
Observe a fruit from the time it was a flower...day after day... and finally bite into it.
Ogle a green green leaf and be amazed by the crisp venation.
Drop a stone into a well and listen to the water splash. (Pull up a bucket of water)
Go to your church services and be glad for these things.
Wake up early in the morning to relish the dew that's all over.
Watch ants build a nest and mischievously fill up the hole and see them start over.
See how pastry being baked raises and browns right before your eyes. (Thru a glass)

Oh........! Guys I am so sorry. I was supposed to talk about Haters. I ended up giving them suggestions about things that they could do to fill up their time.

Truthfully: I refrained from talking about haters because then I might be hating on haters. Nah! I love my fellow human beings. They are all as imperfect as I am.

Smile guys... Oh and... do you want to add to my list? Be happy, you will then part of the intelligentsia.

Culture of Complaining

2009-03-21T23:34:00.008-06:00

Hey OW... what is this with these desperate looking killings? Why are the 'animos' that hyped up? Why go for the jugular? Why deprive another of their life to satisfy some feeling? Why go to jail? Is that a better option?

I have seen horrendous killings in our OW in my lifetime and it will continue. It is just the way society goes.

Is crime getting worse in Orange Walk?

Let me opine, since that is what I do and let us hypothetically solve.

Over my little lifetime I have heard three statements over and over and over.

1. Prices di go up.
2. Crime di get worse.
3. No Job di out deh.
4. Things haad out ya.

Ooops...! I said three and went to four.

We Belizeans have not developed the skill of praising our successes. If we hear someone expressing something of themselves, it is 'breggin." We would rather ignore Andy walking down the street than throng. We then throng when he passes; make him a demigod.

Prices of fuel go down, we yawn. Our Prime Minister is OPEC's number one enemy since he was responsible for the drop in oil prices. Well at least someone did not yawn.

Some prices do go down but that is not lionized; some business people whistle to the ceiling hoping no one would notice that he did not go along with the price drop. He/she is ready to hike when it happens the next time.

No jobs are out there...funny. Thousands of us have jobs. Make a poll and everyone wants another job. Life shuffles the jobs and everyone is satisfied for a while and state... "no moh job di out deh."

I call it the culture of complaining. I do not know if it has gotten worse but we Belizeans are good at it.

Let me suggest, that if we start to praise a lot more it will do wonders for Orange Walk. Then maybe that can trickle to the rest.

Maybe then we can "stimulate" ourselves to work a lil more and be happier. And by the way, if the price is too high do not buy it.

When I hear a complaint, I would think 'so what is your solution?' After the complaint, I often do not hear solution suggestions from intelligentsia or the heart.

See you next blog!

Post-Election Blues...or is it Reds

2009-03-11T15:23:00.008-06:00

Hi everyone,
I had mentioned to you some blogs ago of the "defrocking of one of our very own." I said it vaguely like this since I was not sure it would actually happen. What I meant was the removal of Marcel Cardona as a minister of government. Of course, the timing of this move like so many other things needed to be in sync with the municipal elections.

These TWO are the biggest: The 'reshuffle' or the reissuing of Cardona's portfolio and the reading of the General Revenue Appropriation Bill (budget).

In December or so when fuel prices went below the level thousands of us Belizeans can even fathom, I thought that money was being wasted. Prices should have been held steady at about seven dollars and all the difference could have been used to do worthy stuff. But no; our Prime Minister had to TRY to fulfill his 'lower the cost of living' promise.

I know very well that NO government has control over prices. The economy of the world is daunted by forces that no 1 government can control. Certain governments can sway economies but control does not entirely exist.

Obama's 'stimulus' is only that, it is an attempt to jolt the US economy out of negative growth...not control.

Why would someone tell the country ad nauseum that he is responsible for the low fuel prices? The sad part for him is that people will take the April 1st realignment as a definite raise of prices. I believe he should have steered it the 7 dollar level from the time it was plummeting.

Notice how many businesses that raised prices because of the 'high fuel prices' ($11) did not miss a beat in order restore prices. The last time fuel prices were that low some of these businesses were not even open.

Let me explain a bit... Fuel is an import. We therefore need to produce and export something first before we can have the foreign exchange ($US) to pay ESSO for the a new batch of fuel. This means millions of US dollars every two to three weeks. Get the picture? Yes, we need fuel to produce things but that is where government can help... help to cane farmers, farmers, producers etc. The problem there has always been that our Belizeans find a way to subvert the system by using this fuel for personal means and there goes the government's help.

When we are at home. What happens to any grocery that your mom/dad buy a lot of... We waste it. The same happens with fuel. I know of some people that "circled"in their vehicles a lot more since the price allowed them. Well reality will set in again.

Anyway peeps... it all goes back to looking into the mirror and making the best decisions for ourselves and our town. It does help the country on the longer run.

Much ado about nothing

2009-03-05T18:24:00.006-06:00

The body politic of Orange Walk Town has spoken and there is a myriad of angles as to why the results are what they are. These angles may be as numerous as there are electors. I will not even attempt to hint that I have the best angle. I do not.

What I can say is that our Orange Walkeño voters spoke as opposed to the silent majority in the rest of the nation. Our democracy is built to give those who wish to remain silent to do so innocuously. Again, why did they stay home will be an endless debate. All I can say is this; if you do not like a restaurant then you do not go and buy food from it.

IMHO the PUP candidates had too much of rookie in them. At the polls, people will many a times go with name recognition and how long the name has been under the spotlight.

I know, maybe, all the 14 candidates from both parties in Orange Walk. Having this information in mind I had made my assertions and had gotten a general feeling. But the majority obviously could did not see what I saw.

I have never liked the ideas of split votes, not in Belize. The politics is still too petty. Mr. de la Fuente asserted that he will work with HIS new council. My take is that when a council is split then the town suffers since you have less people to serve them. When I think of the people that surround Mr. de la Fuente all I get is victimization, party politics galore and anti-PUP venom. None of these three are good for Orange Walk. It is left to be seen what responsibilities will be given to the 3 PUP councilors.

I knew too that the cane farmer issue was not going to pan out either way. The cane farmers involved are not so much from OW town. Dean Barrow was not running for councilor or mayor; he would have lost. I would not have liked the PUP winning because of that issue. I did not support the cane farmer stand anyway. I also did not support the Dean Barrow approach to quell.

All in all, the PUP is still in convalescing. It showed signs of getting up but the cancer imposed by the terrible twins is yet to be stricken totally. The People's United Party will need to go beyond remission before they can savour another win at the polls. March 4, 2009 was a step towards the total CHANGE that has been envisioned. The loss for all intents and purposes and ODDS was inevitable.

Too many people stayed away yesterday. They are like a sleeping giant that needs agitating. The PUP needs to show why they are NEW and IMPROVED. Belizeans did not see it; nor did they feel it. It is back to the drawing board to find that formula of success for the PUP and benefit for our invaluable people of the jewel.

For the new Orange Walk Town Council and Mayor this is like 2003 for the PUP. We need the best for our town. After all, there was much ado about nothing. Our democracy in Orange Walk prevailed. The majority have decided who they want to take care of their affairs.

I have always been one to go with who rules, PUP or UDP. Our leaders must be given a chance to make decisions and then elections come.

I will follow here and the electorate will also follow.

Later.

The Undecided!

2009-03-02T19:38:00.004-06:00

Folks, like everyone in Orange Walk I also have family on both sides of the political fence. I have never worn a 'sloganed' T-shirt in my life but have always respected those that do. Who I vote for has been and will always be a secret. It is so interesting how people can be clairvoyant and KNOW who you will vote for. I so hope that this is ALWAYS so in our little invaluable jewel.

I have followed our politics for as long as I have life and now find this medium as one where this knowledge can be self-exploited in something basic as my opinion.

This will be a very short blog as I want to show you one of the reasons (other than the Central Park "Christmas Tree") why I am weighing to one side. You look at the picture and make up your mind.The street lights are a good thing for Orange Walk but then these are on a list that is way, way too short. I will say no more.

Endorsement!

2009-02-28T21:23:00.009-06:00

Here at OW INSIGHT I will always have ORANGE WALK first in particular and BELIZE first in general with the MIGHT of TRUTH and the GRACE of GOD!

Over the past couple months I have tried to capture some feeling of what/who is better for Orange Walk. I have never liked slogans but I went on record last blog by exalting the "change is coming" since I get the feeling that it is deeper than a slogan. When I juxtapose that with "continuing the possibilities" I get mired in IMAGINING how an abstract can be perpetrated.

In essence, the UDP slogan seems to be saying that the UDP can possibly clean the streets, and possibly pick up the garbage. So if we the UDP are voted back into office then we will CONTINUE that possibility. Most likely someone has an explanation for me about why I am wrong. But you cannot blame me for getting that interpretation. The UDP slogan is, in my humble opinion (IMHO), incongruous with what they should be telling us the Orange Walk population.

Today as I walked around Orange Walk I got the feeling that we want Mr. Ramon Cervantes, Jr. in the Orange Walk Town Hall as the next Town Mayor with the rest of his team. I get the feeling that the fight will be what a democratic election brings; there is enough polarization for that. As the reconciliation unfurls Orange Walk will have a NEW and IMPROVED town council and Mayor.

Change is coming, it is unstoppable; that is what people want and they feel it.

Vote for Ramon 'Monchi' Cervantes, Rozel Arana, Rafael Avila, Kevin Bernard, Josue Carballo, Faride Riverol and Alex Lopez!

Change is Coming!

2009-02-27T17:20:00.007-06:00

Obama managed to slough away the cliché from "change." He did so with the expectation that it will not be easy. He let his followers chant until they believed that "they could." "Yes we can" was the the echo that reverberated every filled football stadium. No echo would have been felt if it did not come from deep within and if it was not an accepted pledge of responsibility.

The PUP in Orange Walk is postured with its "Change is Coming" website and general disposition as the party in waiting for 2012 or earlier and beyond. With a NEW party leader the political spectrum within the party is yet shaping. I get the feel from reading and listening that the change that they are talking about is not necessarily cosmetic but one that more wholesomely has Belizeans in mind. This is just like Obama who had not white American, nor Black Americans nor Hispanic Americans but Americans from the United States in mind.

The PUP in Orange Walk obviously copied the 'CHANGE' word in its entirety. It was copied with all its novel significance.

I can live with less corruption. But many will agree with me that the system has to be changed since it is easy for a government to have absolute power. This opens gaping chasms for absolute corruption to be cultured and almost institutionalized.

I have always disliked when our fledgling Belize goes to consecutive/simultaneous polls and have ONE party ruling all the towns and of course the bicameral chambers by constitution. A catastrophe is waiting to happen.

In Orange Walk, the outgoing UDP town council is for its most part vieing to repeat as the elected council. The UDP Mayor is being replaced in the ticket by someone with no proven leadership. In fact, he stood beside his Mayor as power was being usurped. Mr. de la Fuente should have revealed truths and prove that transparency is more than a buzz word. It might still not be too late. Maybe that is why he crumpled at the idea of being challenged to a debate with and by Mr. Cervantes the PUP mayoral candidate.

Yes folks! He rejected the idea of openess and the MIGHT OF TRUTH.

To pound on this a little more, he should reveal if the ex-mayor, for all intents, will be gifted with his old job at OWTHS. He should also reveal if there are any other perks to the ex-mayor's exit. Like for example, will the ex-Mayor get any undue fully paid government scholarships to any university of his choice. Belizeans would like to know before we get surprised. It is a shot at transparency.

Anyway Orange Walk, the crux is in getting the best for our money's worth, our taxes. It is said that we get the leaders WE deserve. I put it further that many a times our slate of elected leaders reflect our society. As a society we need to work hard for ourselves and not expect handouts or undue scholarships or jobs we do not qualify for. Then when as a majority we all have plans and endevours and just objectives only then will our leaders also have the same.

So the challenge is there, from lil me. The change that the PUP is proposing as I read it goes beyond a slogan but it is Obamaesque. It encompasses new and improved Belizeans, a hyped Belizean working attitude, and the right Belizean societal attitudes. Only then can we also be a LAND OF THE FREE (the Caribbean version feat. Belizeans.)

Until next time... maybe tomorrow.

Fog of Incertitude

2009-02-25T23:33:00.004-06:00

Six days are left to go before the elections and the fog of incertitude gets thinner and thinner. The view on the streets of our dear town is a PUP win. It is so clear that the take on the outgoing OW town council is that they did a poor job maybe terrible. Even if they are to say that it was the "Mayor" that created follies to fill up the ocean, as I have said in an earlier post, the council failed to council. And that is their job, they are the town council.

In 2003, the UDP lost a general election widely due to PUP being popular regardless of the 'perception' that two of its topmost leaders were definitely on the auto-take to put it mildly. Perception has a lot to do with the reality of many people. Whenever I read a newspaper, I read it as the opinion of a couple of people and nothing else. This blog is my opinion. But I do realize, that is not the case out there. If you are perceived as a failure it is usually a mixture of fact and fiction and you are doomed at the polls.

In 2003, the UDP was doomed at the polls because of their lack of candidates that were up to the task. In 2008, the PUP were doomed at the polls because of the terrible twins and the electorate castigated the entire slate for allowing these two to even still contest their seats. The UDP thus won by default; they had nor have any merit. See; it is difficult to rule fairly and skillfully if you are full of ire and desire for revenge. Many people are UDP supporters becuase of something they are angered over; this vile feeling does not allow for good governance.

The PUP base is an old one. It is made up of people that want to better the country. These people make up the majority. But the PUP lost the last two elections horribly in spite of being the majority becuase of a reeking cancer that had to be NOT nipped but slashed off. The perception on the PUP is that they had become too corrupt. I keep saying perception because until the proof is before the courts then who knows. I can guess as the normal Belizean.

The UDP came into power flailing at everything. Other than seeming mindless about the economy, clueless about the ever present crime and too ad hoc with the Belizeanized transportation fiasco, they love to shoot themselves on the leg whenever they can. They do things like relieve people of their jobs, like try to take away small properties, are guilty of super-nepotism, build large homes, and get married when you should be celebrating other momentous occasions. All this in one year!

People all around this country will notice...and they have.

Many in the UDP are too angry at something somewhere to give Belize some fair governance. The central government has officially less than four years to go. After their landslide victory, it seems to me that they would lose a general election this March 4. It is a sad case for Belize that our government got so unpopular so quickly. But that is the case when you do not actually win but your opponent loses.

In Orange Walk, I am sensing a PUP win for the mayor and his team. The manifestos that are out seem fair but the UDP manifesto tries to sweeten up the formatting without actually having content. The PUP one is conservative and if you ask me it is robust and achievable. I believe it does take into account that there will be a UDP central government that if precedent is any indication, and PUP town council these next three years will need to be precise and up to the task. The UDP government has promised money to anyone that takes office; but we know even that is campaigning.

In the next post, I will talk a little on the personalities. I happen to know, at least marginally, most of the 14 men and women running.

Remember to vote in the polls, here and OrangeWalk.net for the fun of it....serious fun.

Orange Walk.net

2009-02-21T14:12:00.009-06:00

Good Day everyone!
As I was rummaging through various webpages I stumbled across Orange Walk.net's poll on Orange Walk's Town Council elections. Since we are on election mode here at INSIGHT. I decided to place the results of the poll here right under the countdown. You are not able to vote on OW.net's poll here but you can go to their site and add a vote.

Our modest poll here at INSIGHT does not have the numbers but it shows a similar outcome. With some 8 days left to go, readers can choose to vote here to show that the trend NOW is the same. So if you are a visitor from Orange Walk.net welcome.

Even though I say courtesy of Orange Walk.net I do not have the permission to use their poll but in the spirit of openness and the wideness of the World Wide Web I am sure that they do not mind. Let me further add, it seems that the people at OW.net feel the same about my writing at INSIGHT. I have just noticed that they have a link to my OWINSIGHT. Whoever is responsible...thank you.

I invite them to place a picture link to this blog.

Until further Insight to your dreams!

Education Impersonalized

2009-02-17T20:13:00.005-06:00

The debate will rage on as long as there is life on earth as to what a proper education is all about. Juxtapose the education systems of any two countries and you will see clear differences. Everyone will think that their system is better. I have even heard this one... "We grade harder in Belize than in the good old 'United' States... but they have a better education system." Ask me again what it all means and I'll be as befuddled as you are.

In my humble opinion, education must be as unharnessed as possible and timeless. The grandmother going the college to get a degree whilst being an octogenarian tells a revealing tale. Those that hold the reins of educational institutions are to provide that unharnessed pathway in an unbridled fashion. Do not get me wrong. The very word education already spells its own limits so why corrupt it in any way by institutionalized or personalized petty censorship.

Our town is moving into the mode of town democracy where we will figure who should keep our town clean and healthy. There is so much attached to these two words. Our youth must be given a chance to listen to what many call "both sides of the story." I actually think there is only one--the truth. What they need to hear are two versions so that they can make up their minds. When administrators state that it is not policy to accept candidates to visit their schools, they are uttering a rejection of their students being educated in a rounded fashion. This would be excellent hands-on alternative type learning.

One thing is clear education cannot be impeded. Students are soaking in censorship and the basic abuse of position. They will make up their minds as to who is right and who is wrong; that is one thing that cannot be domineered. Schools are paid to be guides in education not indoctrination. I know of a certain school that seems to have missed the chance to educate wholesomely.

On another note: We the citizenry, bar none, should be given the chance to vote. I want to push in a couple of opinions here. The voting age is way too high. We are all equal... what happens at 18? In our age of technology and incredible thinking, there must be way to give more access. The second opinion it might take constitutional amendments but, the color thing is not doing it for me. I want to vote for people not for a color. I think we are more intelligent than that. What about placing the pictures of the candidates on the ballot? Anyway, I said that for the record.

I do not usually write TWO blogs in one night. But today is special. Let me call the next 14 days ELECTION MODE here at OWInsight.

Look out for the basic poll for the projected winners here in OW.

Look out for my prediction and, if you want to call it, endorsement. Not today though, there is still time to really do things intelligently.

Moh time!...hasta mañana!

System Restore; Default

2009-02-17T18:35:00.003-06:00

Everyone that claims that they know about computers knows what it means to System Restore. It is a MS built-in piece of programming that allows you to go back to the last time when everything was all right and functioning. As reality will have it there will never be a perfect time when everything is going totally ok with your computer but sometimes you are VERY satisfied.

With that analogy out of the way, let me revert to our dear Orange Walk. I get the impression that the present leaders of our community flailed at the management of our town. And at providing leadership, the town itself will provide an assessment on March 4. My opinion is that the pettiness and immaturity of dealing with "the central government" was the downfall of the Orange Walk group. The councilors failed to council the Mayor. So stipends might have been issued to them in vain.

Now it is public knowledge that the Mayor was dangling from strings beyond his control. Too bad that those controlling the strings themselves do NOT have the proven skills to deal with a town and the organization it entails. One of them can hardly express himself much less run the resources of a town. The other, a flibbertigibbet, runs around on the successes of the offspring.

I promised not to get personal and I apologize for the innuendo but some things are so clearly mistakes that ought not to be repeated in the name of our town. We do not deserve it.

On another note, I do believe that Belize's Mayors and councilors ought to be paid handsomely. And, at best they should have part time employment whilst the rest of the time they should be at the town council offices looking out for the people. If the Mayor steps out, the deputy ought to be there. Like creole seh, "da chance" to have 7 people answerable to a growing town whilst they have their own full time jobs. Some rotatory measure ought to be implemented. Nowadays nothing is free. But as long as it is a cumbersome task to be mayor or councillors, they will keep shorting out the people. It ought to be jobs.

I do hate that the Town Council elections is many a times the report card of the central government. It just shows how the laws still tie the town to the whims of one. With having the Mayorship and Council as better paying positions, with increased responsibilities and with a greater self-governance (at the town level ) I can feel an increased chance of success. Of course, the importance of the central government will always be there.

Town councils winning by default should be a thing of the past. We in Orange Walk should vote for those that will plan and execute the best proposals for our town. Anyone that bickers should not be leading a town. Leaders serve.... that is the best leading they can do. So I propose lets tweak our town and restore a sense of living cleanly and healthily. That is the sole task of the town council... a major one I must say. We as a town should help anyway we can.

St. Valentine's Day

2009-02-08T10:59:00.005-06:00

I don't want to tell you how to celebrate St. Valentine's Day...and I will not even attempt. Simply (easy to say) allow yourself to be loved but first YOU need to be loving everyday of the year.
Then we will all get along.
Enjoy some of these on your desktop. (Internet property ;))

The Anniversary!

2009-02-06T19:55:00.005-06:00

Today Feb. 7 is the first anniversary of last year's general elections when the Belizean populace namely the electors (makes a difference) cast votes that ousted the 10 year ruling People’s United Party. It would have been sweet for the country if the United Democratic Party would have also won the elections. This made Dean Barrow’s words true; he had said that Belizeans had no option but to vote for the UDP since as it seems the PUP were destined to not win. In other words, the UDP had been elected only by default and not by merit nor much less by the superiority of their plan.

Today, Mr. Barrow is marking the occasion by shunning Belize to again promise to be true. This time, the second time, it is supposed to be till ‘death do us part.’ In contrast, the oath that he took one year ago tomorrow does not promise to celebrate the anniversary of the PUP’s loss. It though speaks of being true to the nation. Today there are thousands that feel dearly that he is not being gracious to Belize or at least not to his supporters.

In the North of our land of the free, there is a slew of hard-working Beliceños, naïve to certain extent, but Belizean to the core who feel betrayed and so insulted. One of their own was killed while carrying out a task that they felt was worth risking their lives over. They were unreasonably irate over Barrow’s ‘move by 4pm or be moved.’

This ultimatum was one that will go down in the annals of history as one that is defamatory of the Prime Ministerial position. I do agree that the cane farmer’s were SO WRONG in blocking a roadway that was not theirs. It was illegal just like the previous bus stand. All mobs are illegal and I will never support one. Nevertheless, I do see their basic humanity and lack of skills to resolve problems in any other way. But, there are other ways, and that is where creative leadership and the novel formulation and execution of plans come into play.

Hindsight is many times a lousy way of determining our lives. That is what has happened here. It took the strike to allow a plan to be agreed upon. Second-guessing, if whether a certain new plan will be beneficial for ALL or not, can be countered by having creative leaders and intelligently devised plans. I am no expert at the sugar industry but my hindsight tells me that those in charge of looking forward in the industry failed with a capital F. Notice that “those in charge” mean so many people including those who were the de facto leaders of the mob. Therein lies the main reason why I say that I do not support this mob.

The strike is one; the mob as a result, although not being totally another, is yet still another issue.

And so, our Democracy continues with its growing pains. I smile when I think that Belize is just 26 years old. In the context of a human being she/he is still adolescent. Yet, growing for a nation is painstaking and maturity has no calendar. It is dynamic. So one day we may be a peaceful haven of tranquility and the other can be February 2, 2009.

March 4, 2009 will show that we rather that “despots must flee this tranquil haven of democracy.” Maybe that is why one fled today.

;)

Google Map

Orange Walk at its best!

Not Proud of these

2009-01-31T22:26:00.003-06:00

I have never been involved directly with the Sugar Cane Industry especially since I am from Orange Walk Town proper. But I would be silly to deny that all Orange Walkeños have a direct stake in the industry. I think I know almost all persons who work at the sugar factory or many...feels like all. When it comes of the actual cañeros, I know some who have the name since they somehow deliver cane without ever owning a cane truck or much less visiting a canefield but do not know any "real" cañeros.

I can remember the cane trucks traveling up to the sugar factory as long as I have had life and nothing much has changed. Now, I love technology, and thus, have wondered how time did not affect the look of the cane trucks. They seem to have been frozen in time.

The cañeros refusal to respect the readings of something that is called a "core sampler" reminds me of some people at the jobplace that thought that the computer and MSExcel and MSword etc. was a waste a time.

I am not proud of the fact that BSI as an industry did ensure that the cañeros kept updated with technology.

I am not proud of the fact that some cañeros rather deliver low quality cane and expect the industry to turn a blind eye to it and pay. Imagine you own a vegetable stand at the market. Would you pay the same price for low quality veggies as for better quality ones?

I am not proud of the fact that the two sides rather play the blame game than fixing things for good.

I have always thought that the 'real' cañeros deserved a larger slice of the sugar industry's earnings. But I have also felt that they do not do enough to show that they deserve. Like everyone else they need to keep up with the times. Some have mired themselves in debt and have little choice.

My opinion on this is purely from the outside looking in. So this is how it all reaches me and I could be totally wrong.

What I am sure of is that the Belizean government at the highest levels should have solved this from the onset. Maybe, they too are busy blaming someone for something.

Hey let's concentrate on solutions. This I would be proud of...anyday.

Make a Promise Kept

2009-01-29T17:58:00.003-06:00

WRONG!
When speaking to the nation our 'leaders' ought to be mindful of what they are saying and in lieu of that they should keep their mouths shut. Granted, speaking "correct" English may be an impossibility but there must be an deliberate attempt not to make mistakes. This comes with preparation.

More so, these errors should be minimal if one is acting as the minister responsible for the education of Belizean children. But, these inaccuracies will occur when one is more concerned with bickering and speaking as if you are still in opposition than with governing.

Google this..."make a promise kept", a line used at the HoR last house sitting. Not a webpage is indexed with it.

It goes without saying and without the need for propaganda. The government of the day both central and local (in Orange Walk) are clueless when it comes to governing without their spirit of vengeance interfering. Hatred sometimes feels like the way to go but it only leads you astray. The Belizean government at Jan 2009 have placed blinders not only to the side of the eyes but in some cases on top. They are so intent on "correcting" the past misdeeds of some while neglecting the present... the Belizean people.

A newscaster on American TV commented on how George W. Bush had ratings lower than stomach cramps. And, he, the newscaster, doesn't know of much countries that still have a peaceful transition given said circumstances. Well yes, we do here in Belize.

We must keep our haven peaceful no matter what. But also, we must be economically independent and self-sufficient no matter what.

First, we must start with having the right people to do the basics--have functional drains, keep streets navigable, efficient garbage collection, to name a few.

Keep your promises, you all. They ARE meant to be kept. If u cannot do the job, do the honourable thing and resign or do the logical thing and wait to be voted out by our savvy Orange Walkeños.

Reasons why I rather the cold to the rain in Orange Walk

2009-01-22T23:55:00.002-06:00

Does not get you wet and give you a cold. (well hmm)
You do not sweat while walking down the streets. (depends)
Vehicles do not spray you with mud as you walk the streets. (or drive)
You can see the craters in the streets as you drive. (or walk)
You can wear the nice long sleeves to cover the old uniform.
It reminds you of Christmas.
The warm hug of the loved one is so much nicer.

Alas, the dust from the streets start building but who cares I still rather the nippy cold.

Winter time in the northern hemisphere is in its full swing so expect more of this nice weather. All is not always good though, since the coming of a cold front brings in rain that forms as the cold air meets the warm. The water vapour in the atmosphere condenses and we get rain just at the boundary of the cold air mass, this is literally the FRONT of the air mass or cold front. We later enjoy the back of this front since where there is no condensation.

How many times did you hear this week, "mein I love this weather?" How many times did you say it? Sad to say but I have heard at least one person say, that they love the warm sticky weather. Yap!

Hey, still following Obama right? How about our very own soap opera usually called "the town board?" You still following?

Hey, just wanted to stick this one in today. See ya soon.

El cambio

2009-01-19T21:45:00.005-06:00

Sometimes unimportant things happen an creole seh "dat dah small change." Then once in a while we beam with satisfaction that something has "gahn laahj."

Tomorrow the United States of America will go extra extra large. Barack Hussien Obama will move from mythical president-elect to beyond real President of the United States. He is part of MLK's Dream right before our very eyes. Have you been marveled by MJ, Tiger, Phelps, Lance or Sampras? Well, if you have had that feeling it is a mere prelude to the THE INAUGURATION tomorrow Jan 20. This will be the political(not to mention social, economical and racial) equal to man travelling the speed of light.

The television ratings do not have the appropriate measure to gauge tomorrow!

Historic is an understatement. Epic might be in the neighborhood.

The lawn at DC will fit one person per 2 square feet imagine!

Is all of this relevant to you? I have not a clue. Is it relevant to me. Yes it is! In the very least it is a glittering example of what we need. Belizeans need the feeling of HOPE that things can be better for them and their children. Our leaders and citizenry alike ought to learn from that monumental parade to change.

Sometime people hate on the USA. But give them a chance they fly out quickly to Miami, LA, NY etc. We know that not all is bad with Uncle Sam. Obama for all intents is only good for the USA and also for the world.

Tomorrow all satellites and fiber optics will be hot with delight. People from every nook and cranny will be looking on...and so will I. Will YOU?

Change was already cliché. Obama purged that label and exposed it. Change has come to the United States.

So what are we waiting for?

Id

2009-01-18T16:55:00.005-06:00

Or is it the ego that compels our Prime Minister. It is fine for him to do so but it befuddles me why he plays with our country at the center?

That he runs from our flood-ravaged savannas to Savannah, Georgia is fine... sort of. But you would think that the populace (not to mention the Belizean People of his political party), would want him celebrating here in Belize on Feb. 7. They would want to be part of the fuss. Who cares? Guess who?

Fresh off the defrocking of one of our very own and anointing one of his, the PM revives something that I can remember in days of old that he is the "minister of everything." The NCN Range Rover, the retrenchment galore, the over-priced VAT and the call for violence, all came before. So there is precedent to these insensitive decisions. These are insensitive to Belizeans of course.

Two days after his birthday by carrier pigeon and by binary code, his successor to LO will show the world that NEW has its meaning etched in reality.

(Help... any suggestions to these)

Orange Walkeños, Corozaleños, San Ignaceños/Santa Eleños, Belmopaneños, Dangrigeños, Punta Gordeños, San Pedranos, and Beliceños(Belize City ) alike will show to themselves and the candidates alike that they want to rule as the internet era allows. WE want to he heard and WE want to be an intricate part of decisions. Self-aggrandizement will not be tolerated.

The CHANGE that WE want is not necessarily of which party is leading but that the people will carry the lead whilst the leaders will actually serve.

Lately, our 'leaders' duly reward themselves . It should be that when they lead successfully, the people will duly reward them.

Everyone has an Id. Sometimes though it oozes out to affect a multitude; it should not.

Voila!

2009-01-16T18:04:00.010-06:00

I am so sure that this is not new but it might be novel for many of us. I will not spend too much on words.

Yes! Yes! One of the main arguments is that our population is too small for such an industry. I refuse to continue buying that one.

We should be ingenious enough to overcome that dilemma. We will always be cozy small. We want it like that. But that we will not be BIG enough to do something is BS.

This is all food for thought. Ojala pudiese surgir algo de ello.

Dire

2009-01-16T02:04:00.007-06:00

Nos Duele... It hurts in so many different ways to go around Orange Walk today and not be able to "walk" with any sense of pride and joy. God's blessings in the form of rain is revealing that the town is in dire straits when it comes to how the simple tasks should be carried out.

Rain is supposed to runoff with ease into drains and these are supposed to lead unhindered to our New River. Such ease though comes with responsibilities carried out by every one of us town citizens. These responsibilities are to be administered by those that the citizenry elected as the overseers. Just as we are supposed to not litter and bag our garbage, the group under stipend is supposed to get rid of the same.

Now I am coming to realize that the Christmas tree being bare and an eye-sore at best was not a fluke but a symptom of things going haywire. It is a dire shame that after a rain we cannot come outside and smell that nice aroma that should linger at the end. Does anyone remember that sensation? I do. But it is so so far away in the past that I almost need to undergo self-hypnosis to remember. I want to say "Ahhhhhhh, nice" after a rain again. Is anyone with me?

Shirking one's responsibilities when one should be at the center of it should bring dire consequences. These consequences should either be self-imposed or we the Orange Walkeños ought to speak more often than only at the polls.

It would be a dire shame to have more of the same.

On March 4 we ought to ask for less pitter patter on the streets. We ought to ask for a fresh breath of air after God-given rains. We deserve it!

Still waiting for the future?

2009-01-02T20:34:00.004-06:00

A couple of days of internet troubles and here I am scurrying to write a few lines not to bore not to inform not to tell a tale but to stimulate some thought. Calm thinking tends to shuffle ideas in our minds and allow for fresher ideas or novel ways of achieving the best from within us.

Look up to the sky......................... yes now! Or the ceiling... what new do you want from yourself in this new year 2009? Some call it a resolution and usually forget it by January 2.

We need to burn a thought into our mind, and do so with the intention of achieving and feel good. There is not much more to life than doing things now and feeling good about it. When it is done you can breathe deeply....ahhhh.... "I did it" and move on to another one. It takes many little dreams to make a big dream and many little resolutions to make what you will be today.

Yes... what you will be today... like talking about the future being today. Be happy, be gracious, be precise... the future is today.

Look at the countdown, underneath this post... it is already automatically counting on to the next new year. There is no waiting.

So as we scurry back to work or to the oh so loved school(LIS, Louisiana, San Fran, St. Peter's, Chapel's, Technical, Muffles, Solomon's, San Juan Bautista, and MJC) , let us look to do more for ourselves, our family, our friends, and yes Orange Walk...Belize will be the better for it.

2009 Countdown

2008-12-27T23:56:00.006-06:00

Hi Orange Walkeños!

Let's bring in 2009 with a sweet bang loud enough for the rest of the year. We can show the world that the Spirit of Christmas CAN roll into the New Year seamlessly.

Next: Resolutions... are they keepers? Remember to also make a resolution for our pride...ORANGE WALK!

Catch the Spirit

2008-12-23T14:37:00.008-06:00

Countdown Clocks
As Christmas Eve sets in, the tingles from deep within start bubbling up with increasing fervor. As from a champagne or a fizzy drink, the bubbles reach to the surface and pop out into smiles and greetings or kisses and dinners for those of kin. Here in our beloved town the buzz of the vehicles, the whisper of people, the shuffles of shoes, the blessing of a drizzle, and the shining of lights inside every home point to the fact that Christmas is alive and well. I have never doubted it.

And how can I forget, every year the sound of Christmas tunes bedazzle me. How about you?

Yesterday as I was driving around town, there was the inevitable rush towards decorating the exterior of the homes. 'People do not want to seem as if they do not care'... is my deduction. But who knows; the reasons may be lots and varied. What matters as Christmas Eve sets in is that the SPIRIT from deep within is caught when it matters most.

Christmas Day 2008 will never return.

It is up to the young of age and the young of soul to Catch the Spirit before you start thinking that Christmas is 370 days away!

In a future blog I will post pictures of Orange Walk during this Christmas time. But for now I will be bad... or daring if you want to call it that. YOU...Go OUT! Take a personal visual sampling of the lights and absorb the feeling. Then return and see what I have and say..."oh, I saw that!

This is just an INSIGHT to our Dreams for and of Orange Walk!

Wallpapers... Some Christmas Faves

2008-12-20T00:05:00.000-06:00

This is not exactly Orange Walk based but who cares. They look good.
Want more...? Ask!

Christmas "Tree"... Tap into our Innovation

2008-12-19T23:07:00.001-06:00

As December 25 draws nearer the Christmas Spirit must be nurtured at whatever expense. I shiver at the thought that our town is not being led to the utmost of this Christmas Spirit.

It is true that this Spirit is deep in all our hearts; not even scrooges can change that.

We need in Orange Walk a concerted drive (some might call it competition) towards showing off a beautiful Christmas Tree and decorations in all our homes and moreover out in our yards for all of us to feed off and get a better feel of that spirit.

Christmas might not be a tree nor all the beautiful lights but these surely do go a long way to making the food tastier and the air smell cleaner.

Our homes, streets, schools and parks must be adorned with lights and symbols that reflect the pride we have of our town and joy of the holidays. This decoration ought to look good also during the day.

We must challenge the artistically inclined to come up with the best arrangements. With the proper incentives, they can easily be motivated to ultimately beautify Orange Walk in this time of joy.

Sounds like an idea for next year huh?

This is what I met this year at our park... let us take this as an example of something not to tolerate.

And at night, well the light were not even on. It might have been best.

Genesis

2008-12-18T20:54:00.000-06:00

Hello there, fellow citizens of our beloved Orange Walk Town and friends in the rest of the 'small' world.

This is the beginning of a new E-era in our town. Here, you will read the daily INSIGHT topics that are close to Orange Walkeños' hearts. The aim is to stimulate thinking, idea power and methods of action that will lead to our town being one that you will never want to leave.

Here we will not complain and we will not bicker. We will state the area of interest and discuss possible methods to solve the problem and let Orange Walk edge towards being our dream town... a lifelong task.

I will stir up topics and you will provide your Insights to it and suggest other topics.

The logging of ones thoughts on the web has become a very powerful way to make things happen and you can be part of it.

With the use of the digital media... videos, pictures, and words we can truly sway the powers that be. Ultimately the powers that be should be us the citizens.

WELCOME!