In chapter 2- topic British Pirates and Woodcutters, contains 16 pages, five sections,

one table and one map.

British Pirates and those of the other nations raided Spanish ships for whatever
lucrative cargo they carried. One such item was logwood. Logwood was valued
by the British woolen industry because it was a key ingredient in dye
production.

In the middle 17th century the British pirates eventually

decided its safer to cut logwood themselves than wrest it from the
Spaniards. The British attempted to cut logwood along an
extensive stretch of coast, from Campeche to Nicaragua. Over the
years however, in an attempt to reduce violence and maintain
control several treaties were implemented between Spain and
England. Most of the cutters congregated in what became Belize as
a result of the Convention of London, as a result of the cries of the
cutters about the limits defined previously, there request for an
extension of the limits was adhered to under the condition that the
Mosquito Coast be evacuated. The right to cut Mahogany was also
included since Logwood was eventually replaced by Mahogany,
which was and is prized in making high end furniture.
Harvesting and cutting of logwood did not require the
British settlers to penetrate too far inland, however as the logwood
era transferred to mahogany it became necessary to venture inland,
where the woodcutters came in contact with the Mayas who the
British believed were claiming their territory. The British, who at
this time was beginning to see Belize as more than just making
capital, were attacked by the Spaniards who at this time were
desperately trying to regain what was lost. Belize was always left
uninhabited so the settlers always returned. The last fight took
place in September 1798. It was believed that this time the Spanish
came intending to inhabit, not with Spaniards but with the slaves
that escaped hoping to free their brethrens and make a better life
for themselves. The fight lasted for two ours and the lucky settlers
were victorious. The settlers had no casualties while the Spaniards
suffered many losses mostly as a result of illness like yellow fever

and dysentery while aboard the ship. The reign of Spain

diminished drastically and Britain was taking charge, securing the
settlers in their domain at least from the Spaniards. At this time the
Mayas were once again beginning to pose a threat.
As a nation Belize displays an ounce of uniqueness in every
aspect of its being, from being the only English speaking country
in an entire region, the only country which is both Central
American and the Caribbean, its cultural diversity to being the
country with the least violence upon earning its sovereignty. While
we had our share of struggles and bloodshed, overall our history
manifests peacefulness and tranquillity. Our forefathers displayed
an undeterred determination regardless of circumstances and found
a home that we now know and love. They were able to overcome
the swampy, mosquito infested, uninhabitable region Belize was at
the time. They overcame the many attacks from the Mayas and the
Spaniards. This determination is what drives us as a people to
undertake any obstacles that come in our way. Its our
determination that gives me unrelenting hope that Belize and its
people are destined for great things. As we progress into what I
hope is our full potential there are many misconception that many
Belizeans find themselves living by, primarily the idea that Belize
was always in the hands of the British. We had this underlying idea
that Spain tried to steal us away from Britain not realizing that in
fact we were stolen from Spain. This chapter allows for the
clarification of this misconception which feeds our desires not only
to know but to know the truth taking us one step closer to where
we want to be.
In Chapter 3 Topic is A Colonial Slave Society, consist of 19 pages long, 7
subtitle paragraphs.

Slaves revolted and fought fro freedom all across the Americas. This
drawing depicts a scene in the Haitian Revolution. Europeans coming to
Americas after Columbus resulted in their establishing colonies throughout
the continent. Defeated or otherwise displaced the native peoples who live
on the lands, established dominion over them and over the people who
brought as slaves from Africa.

Slaves revolted and fought fro freedom all across the Americas.
This drawing depicts a scene in the Haitian Revolution. This
colonialism involved overseas Possessions of the European
countries take control over the lives of the inhabitants within
the territories. The first British settlers cut logwood during
1720s where they begun to import enslave Africans to work
for the British.
Just as to mention, most slaves brought to Belize originally
came from Western Africa. Most Africans were agriculture
people whose culture was based on social relations of skin,
clan and village. Also music and dance were central to
religious ceremonies as well in their daily life. And basically
the slaves were there to cut logwood and mahogany, agriculture
purposes and domestic work. Some slaves escape during at
work through the woods. Whenever the slaves escaped, most of
them went to north, across the Hond and at Bacalar where the
Spanish offered them protection against the British. The salves
worked for their masters for forty hours per week without pay.
So the salves began to think if they could be able to escape,
take over or war against the white people.
Eventually the African people resisted this domination and
eventually won independence often after armed struggle. The

Africans slaves have resulted in wars against the white people.

The white no longer rule in Africa which it was assisted by
International Solidarity because the African people won
independence. The conditions surrounding this event, however
and the global economic system which will determine the route
of South Africas development serve to remind us that the
struggle of African peoples for democracy and justice.

In chapter 4- Authority and Power in the Settlement, 4 sub-topics and no

pictures, 11 pages (61-72),
The first British settlers in Belize were those pirates and buccaneers who, having
been prevented from practicing that profession in 1670 and were in no hurry in
establishing laws.

They had no intentions of establishing permanent home

here because they were cutting logwood and where only squatting
land that was claimed by Spain and inhabited by the Maya. They
needed some form of resolution for the disputes over logwood
claim. There was a seven decades conflict, which ended in 1853,
over power and authority between the British settlers and the
superintendent because of settlements. Also in 1853, the first
formal constitution was enacted. Sir William Burnaby, commander

in chief, visited the settlement and reinforced laws that the settlers
must abide by called Burnabys code. There are laws against
cursing and swearing. Crimes and misdemeanors are punished
according to custom of the bay. This code also provide for the
passing of other laws and regulations. From this came the Public
Meeting which gave the British inhibiters to make laws. In the
Public Meeting it was stated that they are certain qualifications to
vote. In order to take part in politics you had to have sixty five
Jamaican pounds then were raised to eighty. Had no less than 25
votes.
The slave trade was abolished in the year 1807 and a
magistrate was carrying the trade seven years later because the
superintendent was powerless to stop it. This shows the difficulty
the superintendent had over controlling the unruly Baymen. The
superintendent was weakened by the fact that the British
government would not grant powers to its representatives in the
settlement. The first time a law was passed in Belize was in 1819.
It was passed by the British parliament with out any difficulty this
time.
In 1853, the Public Meeting abolished itself by passing an
act to amend the system of British Honduras and stated that the
Legislature should consist of the superintendent and the Legislative
Assembly. The assembly consisted of 21 member-18 elected and 3
appointed by the superintendent. in order for this to happen the

participant had to be a male, at least 21 years old and a natural

born British, had to have a personal property of British Honduras
400 pounds Sterling.

In chapter 5- topic Expanding and Peopling the Territory, 13 pages, eight

subtopic sections
How the country of Belize was populated and from where the settlers came
from. It will expand your knowledge of the most important facts about our
lovely country Belize.

There first presence in Belize was in 1802. They were first

brought by the British to St.Vincent and then deported to Roatan in
Honduras. From here the Garifuna would escape slavery and go to
other settlements for refuge. The Maya resume their struggle
indicates that the Mayas never gave up. They were always in
conflict with the British and Spaniards. The Mayas were the least
at the bottom but kept on the war of their homeland. This war did
not have much impact on the Belize settlement but had other
activities associated with Mayas of Belize. There was an also
major war between the Mayas of that area and many conflicts over
territory. This was so helpful for the British because they gained
much control of the land. The Maya War in Belize was war
amongst the tribe of the many Mayas in the region. This war had
effects as raiding of log wood camps and so forth. At this time the
Yucatecos had taken over Bacalar in 1849. This was a war between
the Chichanha Maya, Cruzob and Asuncion Ek. These groups were
all local tribes of the larger Mayan empire that fled from Mexico to
Belize. There was also a group called the Icaiche who eventually
fled over to Mexico and died away. In the late 1861 they agreed
with the British for a peace.

The Battle of San Pedro was war between the San Pedro Mayas
when they were not happy with the British on how the log wood
was being mobilized. They rebel against the British but were not
successful. One of their major attacks was on the army barracks in
Orange Walk which was led by Canul. After several hours of
severe fighting Canul was wounded and they took him over to
Mexico where he died. Eventually the Mayas gave up and the
governor came up with an agreement and appointed alcaldes in
Holotunich, San Jose, and San Pedro.
Diplomatic and constitutional effects of the war on the Belize
settlement suffered a lot and needed to form a formal constitution
to govern the territory. They passed out laws that will help govern
the country. With all the war brought against the British by the
Mayas brought such constitutional changes to take place. The
border issue with Mexico was signed and also with Guatemala in
1882. The agreement with Mexico was not approved until July
1897. Later the governor issued that no ammunition or weapon
should be exported. By this time the Mayan rebellion had died out.
Population growth was significant as to where the people came
from and why they came to the Belize settlement. By 1850 there
were 16 settlements that have been established. Also they imported
many Caribbean and Chinese to work at the agriculture and sugar
industries. The rapid growth of the chicle and banana production
brought many immigrants to the Belize settlement from
neighboring countries. By this time the population grew by an
average of 5.7% per year between 1871 and 1891.
Finally hundreds of Kekchi and Mopan Mayas fled to Belize.
These immigrants came from Alta Verapaz and Petn provinces in
Guatemala. The Kekchi were mostly plantation workers as they
were used to working in coffee plantation from where they came
from. In 1990 there were some 3,600 Kekchi in Toledo. Unlike the
Mopan Mayas were independent small farmers. By the end of the
19th, century the population was at 40,000. This significance was
important to the economical growth of Belize.

In chapter six topic Capitalists, Peasants and Workers, 20 pages and 8 subtopices.

Examines the process by which British firms took over the interests of the old
settlers, that by which U.S. companies began to challenge them, and the
consequence of these phenomena for commercial agriculture. IT will then look
at how the majorities of the people were affected, and at what they did as
peasants and workers to survive and develop in this changing political economy.

The extraction of forest products in Belize created

conditions different from British colonies in the Caribbean. First,
because forest work required less labour than sugar plantations,
there was no need for a large population. This is why even today
Belize has only 7 per cent of Jamaica's population, although we are
twice the size of that island. Secondly, forest exploitation as
practiced in Belize did not require much machinery, capital, or
roads. Thirdly, there was no attempt to replace the trees that were
cut. Eventually, slow-growing mahogany trees became scarce. But
logwood did not remain the main economic activity in Belize. By
1770 there was more logwood in the market than was needed, and
the price fell. Later, the development of cheaper man-made dyes in
Europe lessened the need for logwood even more. When settlers
were driven out from Belize by the Spanish in 1779, they had
already found an alternative that was more profitable and longer
lasting - the export of mahogany
Mahogany dominated the economic, social and political life
of our country until the middle of the 20th century. The forests of
Belize contained a great deal of mahogany. The cutting of
mahogany required more land, workers and capital and resulted in
the creation of a small wealthy class who owned most of the land
and labour. The rise in demand encouraged the cutting of trees, but
no new trees were planted. However, mahogany remained the most
important export, and timber still earned the most money for the
colony until 1959. It was only then that the combined value of
sugar and citrus products was greater than the value of forestry
products.

Ever since the establishment of logwood settlements in

Belize, The British settlers imported almost everything they needed
to live and work. Most of what was needed but specially flour and
salted pork, was imported. The merchants and traders in Belize
became rich and powerful. In 1885 the United States Consul in
Belize wrote about "the tendency for persons to be disparaging
about local agriculture efforts, least success in the direction might
reduce the profits from imported foodstuffs". At first, imports were
totally controlled by the same people who controlled the export of
timber. Then, in the 1920's, the entrepot trade with Central
America grew and about four-fifths of the Central America trade
went through Belize. Goods from Britain and the United States
were imported into Belize first and then exported to other countries
of the region. In 1860's, during the USA's civil war, the Belize
merchants also profited by contraband trade with the Confederates.
Even without the entrepot and contraband trades the merchants
were still very rich and powerful. They continued to be so long
after forest exploitation declined

In Chapter 7- topic Cultural Logic of Imperialism, consist of 15 pages from

123 to 152 and 14 sub topics.
While Belize was still indisputably part of the Empire, it was also a separate
entity, with its own peculiar ecology, social formation and history.

One of the most important literary critics and philosophers of

the late 20th century was that the Culture and Imperialism was
hailed as long-awaited and seen as a direct successor to his main
work Orientalism. While the New York Times review notes the
book's heavy resemblance to a collection of lectures, it concludes
that "Yet that telegraphic style does not finally mar either the
usefulness of 'Culture and Imperialism' or its importance."Yet
despite this very simple fact, the notion of imperialism tends to be
looked upon as a product of western civilization. It is impossible

however, not to notice that the taking and controlling of other

peoples land by another is a truly universal theme.
The early settlers, regarding the place as a temporary camp
from which to extract wood and their slaves as only the
instruments for so doing, were not too preoccupied with religious
matters. As they became more settled, the need for religious
instruction was perceived. The Creole society was emerged from
the process by which the lighter skinned creoles had an advantage
because their history of miscegenation gave them greater
opportunities for advancement through contacts and education.
Stanley Tambiah describes ethnicity as the creation of a collective
identity by a social process involving ideas of inheritance,
ancestry and descent, place or territory of origin, and the sharing of
kinship, any one or combination of which may be invoked as a
claim according to context and calculation of advantages. Over
subsequent days the Spanish retreated to Yucatan and never again
was the settlement of Belize to suffer military invasions by the
Spanish. The Baymen later acknowledged, in writing, that the
outcome showed the settlement could not have successfully been
defended without the aid of 1200 or so adult male slaves. Their
collective battle cry was "Shoulder to Shoulder." It has been shown
that the battle was won by valour and brains. It was valiant men
who stood against overwhelming odds and it took brains to prepare
an impenetrable defense. In 1898, the 10th of September was
declared a public holiday, in honor of the Baymen, to celebrate the
Battle of St. George's Caye. On September 10th, 1798, Belize's
destiny was being planned.
The outcome of the battle predicted the fate of this young
nation and would mold its future in many different respects, as
compared to those of its neighbors. As a result, today Belize is the
only country in Central America where English is the official
language. Furthermore, her history, culture, and people all
contribute to the diversity and flair of what is Belize - an
uncommon and exceptional trait in the region. Today, over 200
years later, the 10th of September is still celebrated as a National

Holiday in Belize. Many activities are planned all over the country
to commemorate this historical event, which garners great support
from the Belizean public. In the economic relations the Mestizo
elite were in possession of capital and had experience of sugar
production in Yucatan, which enable them to successfully establish
sugar estates in Belize.
In conclusion the overall information stated in this chapter give me
a clear understanding on the Creole culture on how they came to
settle in Belize.
In Chapter 8- topic Resistance, Struggle and Change, consists of twelve 12
pages with 9 subtopics/sections.

The people had to fight against the racism that permeated

the society, exploitation of their labor, patriarchal structures and
political structures that denied them a voice in the making of
decisions affecting their lives. Although the effects of racial
discrimination were very obvious, the rulers denied that racism
existed. Divisions were created between the various ethnic groups
in the colony. Dissatisfaction among workers was created by a law
in 1849. A Petition of the Labourers was presented, but the
Governor called a meeting saying that they could not afford higher
wages. Almost immediately riots were caused leading to wage
cuts. Throughout this chapter it talks about the peoples resistance
to oppression and the struggles the people suffered. The prevailing
racism of the society was exposed by the efforts the working
community did in order to change the way they were living. The
cost of living had increased because of the failure of wages.

The economy in Belize was always in crisis but the Great

Depression that began in 1929, totally shattered the economy. A
new organization was created called the Labourers and
Unemployed Association that helped to bring about a constitutional
change; however this change was ruined by the unofficial members
because of Britains insistence that the governor be given reserve
powers to pass bills over the objections of the council. In 1939,
another union was founded; however it existed only by name
because the labour laws did not permit for a real trade union to
operate. It was the British Honduras Workers and Tradesmen
Union. In 1943 BHWTU registered under the new law but soon
after changed its name to the General Workers Union (GWU). In
the year 1947, GWU led a successful strike which gave them an
increase in wage. In the same year, 1947, five GWU candidates
won all elected seats in the Stann Creek Town Board.
An important limitation on the militancy of unions was the
fact that settlements were often made by invoking the cooperation
of the state. Other issues such as the imperial design for the British
colonies also served to weaken the unity of the workers. The
workers movement created many advances but the struggle
against employers was once again overtaken.

In Chapter 9- topic Nationalism and Political Parties, consist of 25 pages,

contain a table and 11 subtopics.
The statistics of the general election result in Belize from 1954 -1993 that the
reader with the rise of political parties in Belize in the 20th Century. Gracing the
opening page of chapter nine is honorable George Price at a public meeting in
Belize City promoting the cause of nationalism.

In the 1930s the struggle of working class were directed at

improving their conditions of life and work within the colonial
system. Even before the 1930s, soldiers that return from world
war one, having experience modern way of life style in developed
nation, incited the campaign for a better standard of living, in the
colony called British Honduras presently called Belize. A man such
as Soberanis was influence by the teachings of Marcus Garvey,
which led to the campaign and a move towards self government
and independence.
The working class was suffering from low wages and poor
living conditions in the colony. Through the Belize Bill Board,
Journalist such as Goldson wrote articles about the movement
fighting towards independences that took place in other British
Colonies. Soldiers returning from world war two also joined
movement in fighting for better living condition along with men
such as Smith, Fuller, Price, Wade, and Goldson. As faith would
have it, the British system of divide and conquer did not
materialize for the P.U.P splintered and those loyal to George
price stay with him. And those loyal to Richardson and Goldson

followed them to form the Honduras Independent Party. Which

amalgamated with NP (National party) to make the N.I.P (National
Independent party) and eventually led to the U.D.P (United
Democratic Party?) to become chief opposition to the George price
led PUP which dominated the Party Politics until 1984.
The United Democratic Partys foundation consisted of
those loyal to the crown. Those who were Anti- Guatemala, the
PUPs on the other hand were more interested in independence and
self government even though they were accused of being
communist and pro Guatemala. In conclusion through all the
struggles, the attainment of independence and better living
conditions were the issues that our political fore father fought for.
Belize is still striving for economic independence the dreams for
economical stability shall continue to be the number agenda for our
political leaders, though we are politically an independent country.

In chapter 10- topic Different Drums, consists of 13 pages, ten sections, one
illustration and two tables.
Assad Shoman speaks about the impact of imports and exports in our country
Belize. Belize depended on imports and exports for three centuries. The
population of Belize depended highly on the importation of goods. The sugar
industry played a big role as to the development of Belize up to this present day
as it accounts for most of the countrys revenue. When the sugar industry
happens to decline for awhile the economy was greatly impacted.

The nationalists took office in the 1960s and intensified

the capitalist modernization policies initiated by the British. The

socioeconomic measure they develop sometimes required painful

adjustment. Belizes economy had depended for three centuries of
import and export. The British transitional tale and Lyle controlled
sugar production, processing and marketing. Commercial interests
grew rapidly, and the population became more dependent on
imported foods. It was easy for government to satisfy land hunger
for the small population of 90,000 in 1960. But in the Corozal
district, the mestizo and the Maya farmers were turned into a rural
proletariat, paring the way for organized action. During the 1960s
most Corozal rural men became members of the CFA, and not
surprisingly it became characterized by confusion and internal
conflict, as opposing factions tried to interpret the laws and the use
CFA to suit their interests.
Mateo Ayuso was a Mestizo who attended St. Johns
Teachers College, both in Belize City he then taught in various
schools in three districts and later joined the Department of
Cooperatives. He became the first accountant/secretary, and later
manager of CFA. Jesus ken was a Maya living in Xaibe whose
great grand father had been a leader of the Santa Cruz Maya in the
Caste War. He had spent some time in Mexico as a Mahogany
cutter and then returned to work as a cane cutter in Corozal. The
PUP was central to the sugar politics of Corozal. Its candidate for
1954 elections was a GWU organize. The government indented on
cooperating with Tate and Lyle to affect a massive expansion of the
industry. Tate and Lyles decision to build a new factory in the
orange Walk District, far from the old one, was rooted in its
determination to benefit from the concession negotiated with
government. The ecological consequences became clear by the late
1970S although few at the time were willing to expose the effects
on the last amount of chemical fertilizers.
Even X had returned in 1986 with a degree in English from
a US university. The alliance with PAC had hurt UBAD, since
most Belizeans were thoroughly indoctrinate by Cold War dogma
against anything the dominant powers labeled as communist. It
may well be that a part of the UBAD vision has triumphed, in that

the average Afro Belizeans today , in contrast to their

counterparts in the 1960s, are black and proud. Questions were
always there, and they were posed by leaders of these movements.
The UBAD/PAC challenge to the dominant Socio-Economic
System was not, therefore, immediately successful. The Civil
Service was at that time the principal vehicle for advancement and
this was virtually monopolized by the middle class creoles.

In chapter 11 the theme was The Guatemalan claim Independence and the political
Process. Within this chapter contains 11 pages that are characterized into nine
subtopics.

The Guatemalan claim has had many more far reaching

consequences in Belize than the delay of its
independence. The Guatemalan claim has also
contributed to Belizes isolation form and consequent
ignorance. The issue has dominated Belizean politics and
electoral campaigns for half a century to the detriment of
other vital affecting the welfare of the people.
The Britain had agreed that Belize could become
independent whenever it chose to. That was when the
Guatemalan government threatens to pursue its territorial
claim to Belize by force if necessary. The Guatemalan
claim was an issue t hat caused many people life to be at
risk. Guatemala then decided to reinforce with troops
from El Salvador. They both decided to invade Belize.
Belize then quickly wet out looking for help and security.

They then got help from the British troops who decided
to secure Belize. The invasion date was set fourth of
February 1972, but this was forestalled by a massive
reinforcement by the UK (3000 marines in an aircraft and
18 harrier jets).
In early 1975 talks resumed and Guatemala demanded
about a quarter of Belize territory as the price for
recognizing what was left from Belize. Belize was then
put under tremendous pressure by Britain and the US to
give land to the Guatemalan in order to achieve a
solution to the dispute. Guatemala then got the use and
enjoyment of the Rangauna and Sapodilla Cayes and
rights in those areas of the sea adjacent to the cayes.
However the British agreed to maintain a military
presence in Belize to guarantee its defense. On July 26
the government announced the date for Belize
independence.
The Guatemalan dispute has been a vital issue in almost
every general election held and it has had a tremendous
affect on party politics. Having become independent with
the Guatemalans claim still unresolved, Belize had to
continue a major part of its effort to securing its territory.
From then Belize was a safe, calm and independent
country.

In chapters 12- topic is The Belize That History Made, consist of 7 pages, 10
sections, one chart, one graph and three tables.
Belize is becoming integrated with increased Tourism, Trade liberalization,
Economic and Financial Market but it have a negative impact on the way they
live. Tourism had the greatest expansions ;but tourism development is
dominated by foreigners ,and does little to stimulate the productive economy,
since most of its inputs are imported .

Belize is becoming integrated with increased tourism, trade

liberalization economic and financial market but it have an impact
on the way they live. Belize is therefore similar to other countries,
Belize is different because the way in which its people have
interacted with the environment and with each other. These
differences make Belize unique. The imperial system; this nation is
part of the global system which the people has no deciding voice.
The third world countries are still burdened by huge unplayable
debt like the workers under the advance of track system they will
never escape from the debt trap. Third world countries like Belize
are being forced to stop protecting their producers by tariff and to
open their economies more to foreign control. Financial times,
however, A UN Agency noted that the gap between rich and poor
had double in 1960.
Belize economy is reliant on imports and exports due
to the high growth rate based on sugar prices the economy took
tumble when the price fell drastically and the government had to
make agreement with the IMF and USA ID. Therefore involved the
reduction in health and education, so then the producers in the
sugar, citrus industry will have to become competitive with the
worlds large producers by concentration of ownership and thus
cheaper labour still farmers have managed to make it self

sufficient in corn and beans.Trade policy in terms removing antiexport through trade liberalization will have the effect of
increasing imports. This will therefore affect small farmers who
can find it impossible to compete with cheaper products.
Government revenue will also suffer changes because of
liberalization .When governments cannot protect their expenditure
declined in real terms primary care is the main casualties of the
IMF stabilization .When government cannot protect the people
they have to seek a way of survival. Next major impact of
economics conditions is the population movement. Migrations and
Emigrations to other countries because of jobs.
Rural folk another group who are discriminated by the
socio economic system are those who live in rural areas. Belize is
becoming more rural due to most recent Central America
immigrants in the rural areas scarcity of jobs and emigration of
urbanfolk. Therefore the rural areas are worst off than the
urbanfolk.Electricity can be why the people in urban are better off
than the other, schools and trained teachers. Students who went to
secondary are mostly urban people and very few rural went,
especially the females. Major factors are because government
resources are very little. The history of Belize is the story off
attempts to impose a system of exploitation and domination and
the peoples reaction to it .Belize has changed in many ways but in
other way it remained the same. Therefore, these developments
have a direct impact on peoples lives and on the way they view
themselves and their society.
In chapter 13- Topic Peoples Lives, peoples Cultures, contains 8 pages, 7
seven sections and has an original photograph depicting the different
cultures.
The central point in this chapter is where we come from and who we are and to
understand and respond to our present movement within the vision of history.
Yes, it is very important for us to know the struggles of our people in the
forward movement of our nation. We also need to acknowledge our heroes who
help us through the movement of what is now this present nation. The

development of the nation did not happen by one person nor did it happen just
like that. No! Everyone contributed enormously for this change to be a reality.

It is said that there have always been that gap between the
poor and the rich. But if you want something you got to work for
it. Nothing comes easy and free in this world. But in the past and
even today we can see that the poor people are always been taken
advantage of. And so the people with less substance had to work
hard for every crumb they get. Like a phrase that said, What you
put in is what you will get out. But it says that if people were poor
it was because they were lazy or stupid, not because the system
made them so by denying opportunities to them. As a result of this
gap, Belize experiences increasingly crime rates and violence
which leads to a feeling of hopelessness.
Many of our youths are being conditioned to gratification
where by everything new they see they want and to take what they
want. This is what leads to so much crimes and violence in the
streets and you can see it for a fact in Belize City. Viewing the
cruel stuffs and things being advertised has corrupted the minds of
our young people. But Assad Shoman said that television is good
in a way because it keeps us inform about issues around the globe.
It depends on the viewer itself but parents should monitor their
child at all times. The role of the state changes during its past
years. The government is now allowed to intervene in the economy
by itself. The state had also opened up many more global markets
to global forces. Today, a large population of our people benefits
hugely from it. They are able to sell much more than before. Our
capitalist system has moved people, goods, technology, finance,
ideas and images around the world, which have resulted in a
diverse global culture. Our nation has encountered societal
breakdown and the people is beginning to lose their culture and
traditions. The importing of fashion clothing, American foods, and
seeing how they act have a great impact on the lives of our present
generation. This is a drastic change that was made during the
development of our nation.

It is said that there is a move to overcome a real nonparticipation syndrome that affects most of our people especially
those who are working. Because they have come to realized and
feel that they are being left out and that no one would listen to
them when they have something to say or try to help. The
organization would help the people to understand that education
must play a key role in the process. So this is why Lamming urges
that schools need to change their way of teaching because of the
influence slavery had in the institution. They should be taught at
school in order for them to develop a brighter future. Indeed, we
must educate our young generation because they are the one that
would take on the role in the next or so many years. We are of
diverse culture, language, ethnicity and so much more but we are
one people and same flesh. Everyone needs to play apart in the
development of our country. They should speak up, voice their
opinion, and help in every way they could. If we all work together
we can achieve our highest goal and would make a better nation.