Depression & Dilapidation

So, as I drove into Belize City from the airport this morning these were my observations.

1) Potholes, potato holes, elephant holes EVERYWHERE. Drivers dodging the ones they can, but in the end they get you. Every year it is the same excuses. Find the money, fix the road and stop blaming the swamp and rain. If we can send a man to the moon, then surely we can solve this.

2) Uncut medians....they look as though they haven't been cut in months....wait...they haven't. Get on with it Citco.

3) Skyscraper grass on every open lot. For God's sake Citco..make yourself some money and clamp down on these people and start issuing tickets....wait...oh...forgot...no political will.

4) Garbage EVERYWHERE....and no Mr Dean O. this is not business house garbage that you claim is the problem..these are water bags, soft drink bottles, and BBQ containers. The stuff that plain ole prideless citizens deposit wherever they feel like.

5) Busses stopping every 10 feet. Can we please open the book on the world standards on bus stops. This is so easy to correct with a little management and enforcement.

6) School kids and workers dashing across the highway wherever they feel like it. Not only are they not using the overhead walkway, but they are jay walking all over the highway. Not only is it dangerous but it doesn't help the traffic situation at all.

7) Street Signs down. What little there are have fallen and can't seem to get up. Yes, the same "make up a sign color that is not international standards" fluorescent green ones that say we should go 15 MPH. I have a book on Sign Standards if Citco would like to borrow.

8) Clogged drains. Not only are they clogged but they are overflowing with marrass.  Yuck!

So, when you combine all of this with the general lack of zoning and untidiness of the city, why would anyone in their right mind want to live in Belize City or must less come and visit.

And we wonder why everyone is fleeing Belize and tourists are rating Belize city as a horrible experience.

Please do something Citco...I am begging you.

Fatwas and War Plans

Oh my..Oh my....

Someone issued a fatwa without a war plan! Any guesses...The UDP! Now they have to live with the consequences. The UDP thought that a magical Esquivel TV endorsement would overcome Mayor Moya's ground war and television campaign. They were sorely mistaken and now the rogue councillors, Manuel, Boots and the others have to eat some humility. They have to live with democracy.

It can't be said that the Moya win was a product of Southside roots. Mr. Michael even lost in Caribbean Shores and Freetown which are the bastions of the middle class. So, she had solid base....a base that was loyal to her and willing to punish her detractors.

Furthermore, in my humble opinion, the only thing that the voters hate more than a thief is a traitor. So sure Moya was a thief, but Michaels was a traitor. He showed no political loyalty and he paid the price for that...and he wants a division now? Pu-leeze! If he can't handle a damaged Moya, how would he be able to handle a Fonseca or a resurgent Jorge?

So the next general elections might be closer than we all think. If the Espats can gain control of the new PUP and if the UDP continue to self destruct, then the PUP might be closer to regaining control than anyone believes.. The writing in on the wall. If the UDP can't beat back a mayoral candidate, then.....well, we must all calibrate those conclusions. 

Finally a note to all Representatives, please don't go sit outside Jules' offices with your personal bank account statements in the belief that because you spent $30,000 that month and only have $1800 left that you are not taking illegal money. Think about it people, these are the people leading our country and they can't even make decent decisions about their own lives. 

One can only shake your head with the absurdity of Belizean politics.