Belizean trade economist, Franz Smith, has written a new book titled, A History of Enterprise in Belize.

“It’s a book that walks you through the economy of Belize from the logwood days, from the 1630’s up until the 12 call centers that are operating in the country,” Smith told Amandala.

The book’s first chapter, “Forestry-slavery, technology-democracy,” deals with the stagnation of forestry and the rise of agriculture.

It also takes a look at the exploitation of rosewood and xate, as well as the PUP in relation to the transition from forestry to agriculture, and the UDP in relation to the transition from agriculture to tourism.

Near its conclusion, the book also takes a look at the evolution of the sports and entertainment industry in Belize, noting that, “A good synopsis of the situation of sports in Belize is in the book Sports, Sin and Subversion written by Evan X Hyde in 2008.”

Smith said that in order to put together his book, he did extensive research, including searches at the Belize Archives, in order to find the entrepreneurs and the personalities who made it happen.

Smith said that his primary targets for the book are entrepreneurs and high school students. He dedicates the book to Belizeans who create industries which truly benefit the nation.

He has two pending publications: Belize Facts and Figures and Mayas, Mahogany Men and Mennonites: The Technology and Science of Belize, which, he said, covers developments “from the stone age up to who is writing the software for Belize.”

Smith can be contacted at [email protected]. More information is available on his website: www.belizeinfocenter.org.