Mr. Goldson was a social activist, journalist, politician and well-loved Belizean patriot.
Okeke told our newspaper that he wants to make the sculpture so that Belizeans can have a permanent memorial of Philip Goldson, not only to inspire a lasting memory of his life?s work, but also to remind others that they can also achieve great things for themselves and for Belize.
Already he has started the multi-phase work by casting a clay mould. From there, he goes to making a ceramic mould over which he would cast the bronze to eventually produce the finished artwork. There are about 10 steps in the process.
Okeke has had the idea for doing the Goldson bust for some time now, and at the BelPro Conex last year he received a donation of $20 from one man.
He said that while the support for the Goldson sculpture has been virtually non-existent to date, when he proposed a similar bust for the Father of Independence, George Price, ?within hours the entire funding was there.? The George Price bust sits at the George Price Center in Belmopan.
Okeke has opened an account at the Scotia Bank in the name of the Philip Goldson monument – account #9133783. He is trying to raise $50,000 to make a bronze bust four times life size.
Okeke said that people should focus on the social impact that such a work of art would have.
Rufus X, a supporter of the project, said that he wants to make sure our children know about Mr. Goldson and his selfless contributions to Belize.
Okeke said that the message behind the sculpture, especially to young people, would be: ?This is what we have done for people who have gone the extra mile, who have sacrificed, who have given up something to make things work?. If you take the risk and become excellent, we will remember and we will honor your memory??
Notably, however, there are some Goldson friends who have a different point of view about the Philip Goldson Monument project. There is the view that if Mr. Goldson were to come upon $50,000, he would spend it on things like scholarships for young people.
On the other hand, some supporters say that the monument would be a good, lasting memorial for Mr. Goldson.
Okeke?s vision is to have the sculpture placed at a central location in Belize City.