Yes, my dear readers, it all started in 1823, after Guatemala got its Independence. In those days our ancestors were still under the slavery system laboring for free taking out the logwood and mahogany, enriching the monarchy of Great Britain.
Today, Friday, December 12, 2008, I heard the Minister of Transport say on a radio talk show that he will advise the people of his constituency to vote NO to go the “International Court of Justice.” From here, Mr. Melvin Hulse receives my congratulations for saying so.
We have been taught that Guatemala was the bully one. In those days, as today, Great Britain was, is a very powerful nation. There was nothing they, the Guatemalans, could have done against a powerful nation, military speaking. After so many wars in Europe and in the Caribbean, Spain got so weak that she couldn’t defend her sovereignty over her colonies. Regardless of that, she, Spain, did not give the title to the right of this land called Belize to Great Britain. Great Britain took it por sus bolas. She was (is) receiving a huge amount of wealth from the settlement of the Bay of Honduras, today Belize, also beyond, such as across the Rio Hondo into the forests of today Quintana Roo, México and Verapaz Peten, Guatemala.
For a country to rape out the wealth of another, it can only be done by the means of a strong military force, and for a country to defend itself they also need the same. Let us stop fooling ourselves: after 27 years we are now an adult, and let us stop depending on Mother England and get from under her skirt. She, they don’t need the descendants of their slaves any more, except, of course, for their unconditional. But, they themselves will get a kick you know where, when the time comes.
There are enough poverty people in Central America to do the slave work in “Belice.” Do you understand or should I say, “Until we can celebrate slave revolts rather than slave faithfulness to masters, what hope is there for resistance?” Da who mi se dat, Braa Colin?
I haven’t had the opportunity to personally know Ms. Sharon Pitts-Robateau but, let me say to you that I am 100% with you. I don’t have eggs to throw at them. Nevertheless, thousands of Belizeans are with you. Up and forward, sister. “Belize da fi we, no ICJ Compromis.”
From before 1765, our forefathers, the African slaves, have been revolting against brutal harsh treatment and oppression. My other ancestors, the Maya, and we their descendants, have for 516 years been doing the same. We are descendants of two great people – the Maya and the African or the Africans and the Maya – fighting against the same enemies.
Let me remind our readers that the father of the nation of Cuba, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, freed his slaves, gathered a band of our ancestors, the Africans, along with the descendants of the first colons, the Guajiros and young idealists around him, and raised the fire of revolt at the village of Yara, on October 10, 1868.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2008, a press release was published in the Amandala entitled, “UK to contribute £200,000 to Belze – Guatemala I.C.J. Agreement.” How generous of you! Why didn’t you do so when Guatemala only wanted a stipend to put the case one side?
According to the book “Joint Opinion,” written by Mr. E. Lauterpacht, Q.C. and Dr. D.W. Bowett Q.C., they say on Paras. 122 (v) the following:
“At about the same time – in January 1860 – Captain Wray R.E. was sent to Guatemala to make a report and estimate regarding the construction of a road. On 6 January 1861 he reported that the construction of such a road as was contemplated by the Treaty would cost £121,315 for materials and manual labor, besides £24,115 for the scientific direction of the work – totaling £145,465.”
You played your customary game not to pay, and as usual you play to win. First with your colonial apologists, then after with your Royal Creoles, now today with your unconditionals who think British/American and not Belizean. Do you understand me, “Sons of the Baymen’s Clan?” I lived to see you betrayed by your own. Nevertheless, I will say, “Arise! Ye sons of the Belizean Soil,” and let us unite to demand Great Britain to pay Guatemala what she owes. That is her obligation, not ours. Our ancestors were the slaves, not the masters. Don’t try to turn history around: not all of us are fools.
Tienes una deuda con Guatemala. Paguela. Nosotros los descendientes de tus esclavos hemos pagado con creces por estas tierras con el sudor y la sangre de nuestros antepasados, los Mayas y los Africanos. Te has beneficiado con las riquezas: no seas ventajosa.
19th December 2008
Finca Solana
Corozal Town