June 11, 2010
Dear Belizeans,
After the UDP leaders displayed their superiority by taking away from Theodore Aranda his UDP leadership in 1982, all of us members of the UDP executive of the Dangriga Branch left the UDP Party. Then we formed the Christian Democratic Party – CDP.
Since we Garinagu “stop follow” and “stop support” the Creole leadership on the 3rd of April, 1983, Hon. Theodore Aranda’s Bronco vehicle was blown up at about 3:00 a.m. that time.
Five years after we left the UDP, 76 of us CDPs joined the PUP in 1987. Two years later in 1989, there was a general election. At the election, Hon. Theodore Aranda was the PUP candidate, and he won. Aranda was appointed Minister of Health under George Price as Prime Minister.
During his role as Minister, he acquired over 200 acres of Garifuna farm lands in the Carib Reserve area and had it subdivided for those Belizeans who needed lots, and most of those who got lots were Creole, no discrimination against anyone.
Aranda as PUP Minister negotiated and got a two-lane bridge for Dangriga Town. Then he negotiated and got two hospitals – one for Dangriga and the other for Orange Walk Town. Then he got over one million dollars worth of machinery for the Dangriga Town Council.
Today we Garinagu can boast that there is not a representative in Belize qualified enough and capable to do what Theodore Aranda did in three years, because the Creole leaders only hold position to show off, rather than to learn about human values and give quality service to the people.
Take note that the Garinagu caught global attention in 2001 when UNESCO proclaimed their language, dance and music as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” This is very strong recognition for Belize. Our images attract tourists to Belize.
Belize deserves the best to move forward. Stop hindering its progress with discrimination and hate. Garinagu will be here forever, with their love for Belize.
(Signed) Luke Palacio