Dear Editor,

Independence for Belize was basically the vision of a majority, but coming to that particular period in our history, it was a premature dream that did not take into account the vital demands for a self-sustaining geopolitical unit. We gained self-governance in 1964, which ran up to 1981, the year of Independence.

It seemed that we were ill-prepared for the new reality. It seems evident now, that what we were independent from was sound advice. Financial resources and human developmental goals should have been rooted in place. In our first term of office as the new nation of Belize, we got into serious financial constraints. If there were any plans, policies, or protocols to make independence the viable prospect as promulgated, it was not evident. Where was the sense of purpose, even then?

We reached a point where teachers and civil servants’ salaries were not forthcoming—indefinitely. The idea of a peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution never seemed to have taken off. There were many missing ingredients for nationhood. And, to me, the Green Revolution was a sham, but for its color. The nation was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the Belizean dollar was in danger of being devalued further.

Under a self-governed Belize, my father and I endeavored into a small industry that would place us in line with the idea of economic development. We started a plantain and potato (and other ground food) chips factory and went to government to get the financial concessions in the form of duty-free equipment that were promised. Nobody knew what Ministry was in charge of the idea. We were sent from Ministry to Ministry, with no positive results. There were neither methods nor protocols in place for our requests. We leased a piece of countryside to plant our own raw material, since local supplies were insufficient and inconsistent.

Again there was no kind of prospective support (like land-clearing, tilling, land preparation, free seeds, drilling for water, etc. as other countries had done for their revolution) from government forthcoming in that area. We managed to build our own equipment locally, but growth was severely limited. Our agricultural effort drained us financially.

Eventually my father got critically sick, and I was just an apprentice at entrepreneurship. The business endeavor went under, and I continued my job with the media, which eventually groomed me into the active service of “malcontents.”

Then came Independence.

Today, the words “economic growth” and “social progress” are terminologies common to our ears. Although these are good theories, they have only been half-heartedly addressed. Governance needs an economic model. Institutions of learning should be adequately equipped with the knowledge to initiate not only academic but economic ideas. This is in line to encourage a plan, by Governance, pertinent to our geography and people.

It has been said that we might be able to create employment…but what kind? We need a drive in place, with a title, to be put into effect earnestly and resounded throughout the land, while empowering agencies of the people. A revolution is not a revolution if it is not of, for and by the people.

It has been hammered into our audible faculties that Belize is situated at a geographical advantage between the Caribbean and Central America; and a further adage to this: Belize could become the “breadbasket of the Caribbean”.

Again, our progress has to be in tune, or in par, with positive foreseeable capabilities. We need direction… We need to have, not only expression, but implementation.

Let’s pretend that we have just attained independence. The experience from the challenges we have met so far can be brought to bear in our quest for true independence.

The right kind of education (successful math and science as core standards, p.e./sports inclusive) should be conducive to real development. A “sense of purpose”, derived by the people, for the people, of the people, will give us new resolve.

Let’s confront our phobias with useful knowledge. And the maxim that, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” would be appreciated when put into active practice through realistic marketing policies. We need to have that trust…that confidence…that support! Such an essential medium in place would stimulate our nation, making it beneficial to development.

Key governmental and business entities, the Marketing Board and the Belize Chamber of Commerce, for instance, should be able to initiate a positive impact on the appropriate Ministries of Finance and Development. Let’s put our combined genius behind the wheels of progress.

Please.

Jose Perera, Belmopan
(e-mail: [email protected])