Goldbourne G. Simpson, 62, a Belizean/American International Trade Specialist of New York, and creator of the annual Short Story Competition told Amandala today in an exclusive interview, “I see the depression that the youth in Belize are going through.”
Simpson, a former journalist said he has drafted out a plan, which he intends to put into action, and once established, it will improve the lives of those who are in dire need.
According to Simpson, HOPE which is the acronym for Helping Our People Exceed, will aid the needy, those who can’t afford to go to school, those who don’t have an extra pair of shoes, those who are willing to learn a trade, and those who want to accomplish something in life, but who really can’t afford it.
“HOPE is for people who want to make the next step to make their lives better, and help others who are in the same situation.
“There is no national idea for these youth to see a better future… to propel them towards a better idea.
Simpson said he would rather not disclose at this time other contacts and links, but said that he is currently working on registering the institution as a non-profitable organization.
Simpson also spoke about the Belizean talent. He said, “There is talent in Belize, but it needs to be harnessed and directed.”
In 2010, about 300 Belizeans participated in Simpson’s Annual Short Story Competition. The winners, J.E. Zul for “The Funny One”, Winsome Arana for, “The Brother”, Ruth Smith for “Through the Eye” and Jeniene Logan for “A Crazy World” were later announced in our newspaper.
Simpson said that the stories really impacted him, and it permitted him to feel what these writers were feeling.
“I wanted to see what was in the mindset, and the temperature of what the youth here were thinking, what they saw, what they felt, and the problems they seemed to be facing.
“I am quite happy an amount participated and because of this, I now have an insight of what they think about their country…I felt a lot of what they felt, especially their pain, said Simpson.”
Simpson leaves the country at the end of the month, and is expected to return to Belize in December. Another competition is scheduled for mid-August.
Simpson said he would keep us updated on his plans to help Belizeans who are in need, and stressed that HOPE is for people with a vision, who don’t have the resources to succeed in life.