Thursday, November 13, 2008

law enforcement lawlessness

You know, I have had it up to here (blogger makes hand gesture of being up to neck) with all these law enforcement personnel breaking the law.

In the past two weeks:

I have seen police driving (non emergency related) down the wrong way on a one way street three times simply because they are lazy.

I have seen on duty policemen telling a chiney to give them a beer or else they will take them in for illegal boledo (BTW, why the heck won't GOB enforce the boledo laws..but that is for next week).

I have seen police officers urinating on the Baron Bliss lighthouse, in Dolphin Park and in the grass outside Friendship restaurant.

I have seen policemen illegally drinking on duty twice. Once at Celina's, and once at Sen Sen shop.

This morning, a white Focus police car almost ran me off the road whilst they were trying to overtake a bus on the curve by Raul's. I can assure you my eyes we as big as saucers while I disturbed the nicely littered grass shoulder. They never even bothered to stop.

I have seen a certain police officer drop his kids to school at SCA in "his cruiser" at least 4 times during this period.

And don't even ask about littering, my list of beer bottle throwing, banana skin shedding and water bag heaving police incidents would keep you here so long, BTL's profits would double! 

I used to report this kind of stuff, but all I ever got was attitude and disdain from Queen St. Clearly they are more interested in the conversation going on in the room off to the side about what Shelmadine was doing last night that taking my complaint.

All of these "little" infractions are illegal and all of these seen by just one citizen, me. Imagine how much other law breaking stuff goes on with the other police folk. If they can't obey the laws they are sworn to enforce, then no wonder most of the public breaks it too. The police must first lead by example, as cruffy won't follow the hypocrites.

Come on police, help us and we might help you.

Me done taak!


Monday, November 10, 2008

We are the Future

I hate to sound like a cliche Michael Jackson song, but we are the future.

The average age of a Belizean is 20. {Man, this is one time it SUCKS to be above average. But as a woman, I'm sensitive about my age.} Our society is young, strong, and just right for mobilization. **Another blog for another day is the lack of youth representation in government**

Last night I was speaking with an esteemed gentleman in Belizean society. It was an average conversation, but I want to share the highlights with you. We spoke about school, problems facing the Belize, the recent American elections, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, drug trafficking, and other issues and challenges facing the world. As the night was dwindling to an end, he decided to bestow a little advice.

"Do you plan to return home when you graduate?" he inquired.

I nodded, "Of course I do. I can't wait to actively contribute to Belizean society again."

"Think about ways to diversify. Entrepreneurship. An industry that could hire 100 Belizeans." He peered at me over his glasses. "It's in your hands now. I'm an old man. It's the changing of the guard. It's up to you and your fellows to lead and to improve the country." He straightened up in his seat. "I refuse to give up hope in Belize. We just have to think of a better way."

So, I'll pass on the words of this gentleman, and I challenge you young folk to think of a better way. I do not live in Ross Kemp's Belize. I live in my Belize... my dream country... a country that isn't in debt. A country that operates on a surplus. A country where crimes are rarely committed, and when they do occur, the police and judiciary act swiftly to apprehend and punish the guilty party. A country where no child goes hungry, where no mother dies because of lack of pre and post natal care, where the education system is admired by the region and copied because it is so successful.

Do you want to live in my Belize? Let's work together, my friends.... and make these dreams a reality. It's in our hands. We CAN effect change.