I must say right off of course, that I am as convinced as anyone, that the B.C.B. in its current form and format is not worth the money that is being spent to keep it on the air. I believe that Friends FM in particular, became obsolete the moment other stations started transmitting and that that phase should have long ago been phased out. I am also totally convinced, however, that a Radio Belize in the true sense and purpose, for which it was conceived, is an invaluable commodity and one that few taxpayers would mind spending a few dollars on. Especially when we consider that much of our tax money is usually put to less essential and beneficial purposes anyway.

On Friday September 25th, the minister in charge of broadcasting informed the staff of the B.C.B. that October 31st was the date chosen to close out operations. A promise was made by the transition committee whereas all efforts would be made to secure them employment elsewhere. A prominent member of the three man team, very unpopular with the staff as a choice for committee member, suggested in dry cynicism, that if the first hundred jobs created by government were to sweep drains, then maybe the staff would be interested. Many considered it an insult and few were amused by the comment. The minister reminded the staff of the B.C.B., that it was written in the manifesto, and that his government thus was committed to the sixty percent of the electorate who voted them in to be rid of the B.C.B.

Now I don’t know, I could be wrong here, but I don’t think that many people looked at the P.U.P.’s manifesto and decided, you know what, they’re getting rid of B.C.B., I’m voting P.U.P. I do imagine, however, that many looked in that manifesto, saw fifteen thousand jobs and decided to jump on board the freedom train. Seems, however, that this train might be pulling out in the wrong direction. On October 31st, 36 people will lose their jobs and while it is nowhere near 860, it still has to be considered retrenchment.

One popular reason given as to why Radio Belize should be shut down, is that we have so many other options. Four other radio stations and 56 cable channels to choose from, they point out. “Who needs Radio Belize?”

This of course, exposes a narrow and egocentric view shared by many city dwellers, who seem to believe that residents of the city are the only Belizeans of any consequence. While these stations and channels are indeed available to us, what about the farmers, far back in the bushes toiling to ensure that our food is fresh in the market? Is he not entitled to information? What about our people in the cayes or the fisherman, lay-waiting his catch in lonely waters where the only signal picked up is that of good “ole” reliable Z I K 2. Our calling letters of course has since been changed to V3, but which station is nationalistic enough to even carry it?

Another part of the P.U.P.’s manifesto that I believe attracted a lot of voters, was a part which promised and I quote, “a referendum act to enable citizens to decide on matters of national importance”.

Now again, I might be wrong here, but I consider this a matter of national importance. Radio Belize is the only frequency which reaches every corner of our nation and if this station goes off the air on October 31st and a situation should arise, like say a late hurricane, then a major portion of our nation would be without means for communication. This in itself would seem to warrant some contemplation.

Now of course, government’s manifesto does speak of privatizing the B.C.B., but with a hundred other promises yet to be fulfilled, why the rush to attend to this one. Has enough time been given to advertising and to seeking out potential investors? Have all avenues been explored? For to lose Radio Belize is to lose a rich portion of our tradition. Of course there needs to be a few changes made, but do we burn down the house because the paint has started peeling?

Many would prefer to see Radio Belize in its original role: providing information and strong cultural and educational programs like those that uplifted us and assisted us on our journey from colonialism to independence. Programs, which serve to highlight and preserve the rich texture of our cultures and which encourage music and art and provide room for their expansion. Let’s return to the Children’s Corner and to the Ketchi Hour and to the Garifuna programs. Let us not lose Radio Belize for as one concerned listener puts it, “It would be like losing the home team.”