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!
Showing posts with label Orange Walk Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orange Walk Town. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Inquiring minds!
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?
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?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Change is Coming!
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Fog of Incertitude
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.
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.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Orange Walk.net
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Education Impersonalized
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!
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
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.
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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
St. Valentine's Day
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 ;))
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Anniversary!
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.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Not Proud of these
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.
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.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Make a Promise Kept
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.
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.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reasons why I rather the cold to the rain in Orange Walk
- 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.
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.
Monday, January 19, 2009
El cambio
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?
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?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Id
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.
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)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.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Voila!
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.
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
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!
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!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Still waiting for the future?
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.
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.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
2009 Countdown
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Catch the Spirit
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.
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!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wallpapers... Some Christmas Faves
This is not exactly Orange Walk based but who cares. They look good.
Want more...? Ask!
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