We as Belizeans have been suffering for a long, long time. The people on the south side, specifically Port Loyola, have been suffering for a long, long time. Matter of fact, the people of Port are still waiting for the improvement of their ?London bridges,? the houses that were promised to them, and the betterment of the society they live in. They are still waiting; meanwhile, you and your family sit in your mansions watching this precious Jewel of ours go down the drain. How can you do this to us? My people are the people that placed you in power. Don?t you have any compassion? You keep making vows after vows ? but can you tell us, which of your promises you really plan to deliver? The saying goes: ?A promise is a comfort to a fool?; but you prove to us that ?A PROMISE IS THE COMFORT OF A FOOL.?

I am tired of the lies you politicians tell to my people! I am a fourth-form student of St. Michael?s College and a sixteen-year-old growing up on the hard part of life ? the Southside! I have friends who have the same desires as I do to do well, but some have lost all hope and faith. They have lost hope and faith not because they don?t want an education, but because of the poverty that has become rampant in our Low Class Community.

When last have you read the papers or watched the news: ?A NEXT YOUTH SHOT TO DEATH BY ANOTHER YOUTH.? Each and every time you read or watch the news these crimes by juveniles are the headlines. Do you know the real truth behind these crimes, politicians? Or, as a matter of fact, do you care? I don?t think you do. If you did, my friend would not be behind bars because of robbing a Chinese shop, or pulling a gun on his brother. I can go on and on? but it doesn?t matter to you. Maybe it would matter to you if it were your son. But like the saying goes: ?If my fish doesn?t stink, why worry about the stench??

You never did care about the poor. Then you come on the television with a plastic smile calling us: ?My fellow Belizeans.? Stop with your pretense ? that term has been used, misused and abused by you. We are not your ?fellow? Belizeans! You have abandoned us for too long now. Be warned, though, the youths have grenades now. Grenades are on the streets of Belize. You know what this means? Not even you and your families are safe in your mansions anymore: ?The problems of the poor will soon come kick down your doors??

Sadly, YOUR corruption has made my friends fall victims to the streets. As for me, I will fight against your odds. I will stand firm and voice my opinion. This is what I have to say: YOU NEED TO STEP UP OR STEP DOWN, you crooked politicians, because we are sick and tired of the mess that you have created for Belize!

Yours truly,

A young boy with a vision:

Derrick A. Pitts