by Stephen Okeke

BELIZE CITY, Sun. June 11, 2023

The name “Berger Field” is as much a term of affection as it is an institution in itself in the Belizean psyche, especially the native Belizean and the older folks.

Anywhere you are around the world, when that name is mentioned, it’s nostalgic and blows a waft of cool home breeze and longing. It is just that magic of Berger Field.

But for many years, for the past few decades, it had laid fallow. Not just fallow, but one administration and area representative after another came around and used it to put emotional beatings and a form of psychological torment on all of us: “HOPE THAT IS DEFERRED MAKES THE HEART SICK.”

With each subsequent administration, the area rep put up a big sign promising magic and to resurrect Berger Stadium to glory. 

Eventually, we became familiar with every new area rep and their big signs as the same old political ‘liardness’ and trickery. 

Personally, driving past those big Berger Stadium political promise billboards, that kind of assaulted our intelligence, often made me sad.

HERE ENTERS HON. ANTHONY MAHLER!

The big billboard went up. I was not doubting that he would definitely do something about it. I mean, like wah lee clearing-up deh place and filling the pitch. Observing him for so many years, he has been a non-traditional politician in both his outlook and dealing with people and issues — a pragmatist. So, I believed.

Then, to my amazement, the work actually started. So, I asked around if an early election was coming. He was actually just doing the work for the work’s sake.

It reached the level where they opened it officially to the community; it was impressive. It was good enough. But I became honestly shocked to see that more construction has been ongoing.

It has become a community resting and gathering place, an evening outing spot, a family space; its multi-purpose uses are already apparent. 

When politicians do wrong, we are justified to take it out on them. When a political officer goes beyond the call of duty, or even does their assigned tasks very well, in equity, we owe it to ourselves, our community, and our country to acknowledge their good efforts generously.

I wish to say BIG CONGRATULATIONS to HON. ANTHONY MAHLER AND HIS TEAM for bringing this breath of fresh air to the community by doing what is right by BERGER FOOTBALL FIELD!

This here, I believe, represents the sentiments of a wide spectrum of Belizeans.