A frustrated G. Michael Reid confronts the Family Court
The weekly commentaries of G. Michael Reid have usually combined an artist’s touch for language with a streetwise philosopher’s understanding of the human condition. Tonight he turns those abilities in a more personal direction, toward a subject that has obviously been on his mind for quite some time.
“I did my first Last Word almost two years ago and the fact that the show is still running would seem to indicate that my application for this job has been approved. It is not always an easy job, for it sometimes entails long hours of research and the burning of much midnight oil but the opportunity to address this audience every week, is an honor I do not take lightly. Financially, the reward is a mere pittance but I must confess, that I was warned from the very beginning that the most I could ever expect from doing this, would be beer money. Wistfully, I had hope for at least premium, but alas it has been naught but draft. Fortunately, my craving for the suds is not too intense, however, and I have been able instead, to apply the “lee” change toward my everyday cost of living. Coupled with much appreciated help from family and friends and little odds and ends that come along, I have managed to keep my head above the waves while desperately searching the horizon for anything resembling higher ground. Had I been more clever, I might have hopped onto one political bandwagon or the other which would have no doubt, been a more lucrative maneuver. The real reward of this labor, however, comes not in the form of money nor fancy perks but
from the recognition and appreciation I receive from you the viewers. Judging from your letters and personal comments, I believe that most would prefer me to remain objective and by the grace of God, I will do my best to do so.
I began my career in this field circa 1993 writing for the “Amandala” newspaper. At that time, I was about two years removed from my self imposed exile to America where I had spent the better part of two decades hopping from state to state; not just California to New York, but from civil to downright reckless. I might one day describe the entire episode in a book, but for now, I am just not in that state. I actually began writing in an effort to draw attention to my plight at the Family Court when Glenn Tillett, then editor of the newspaper, encouraged me to continue and the rest as they say is history.
My problems with the Family Court have remained painfully current, however, and had my case been an isolated one, I believe I could have chalked it up to bad luck or maybe retribution for some forgotten sin. The fact that so many men are suffering at the hands of this unjust system, however, justifies my making a mention.
I returned to Belize to live in 1991 and shortly thereafter, became involved with a woman who bore me a child. I got me a job, reverted to my civil state and went about providing for baby, mother and another child she had from a previous relationship. With the change of government in 1993 and subsequent reshuffling, became unemployed and shortly thereafter, the relationship became void.
Not long after the breakup, I paid my first fateful visit to the Belize Family Court and like a nagging hoyu bird, it has been a burden to my soul ever since.
Having been in the public eye for quite some time now, I am known to quite a few people and know quite a few myself including a few that could be considered dignitaries. Despite this fact I have become a victim of this system and I cannot help but feel for the guy who no one knows and who knows no one himself.
After some four years in the family court, the first half of my case was finally concluded last week. It pertained of course to money, for according to the judge, that was the more important issue, not the welfare of the child. As is usually the case at the Family Court, the ruling was all in favor of the woman. I do not have the money that the court is insisting that I pay, for as I have stated, I do not make much from doing this. There is nothing left for them to distress me of so if you don’t hear from me for the next six months or so, I will be enduring the hospitality of the loathsome Hattieville Ramada.
With the Last Word, G. Michael Reid. “
The opinions expressed on the Last Word are those of G. Michael Reid and not necessarily those of Channel Five. Comments are welcome. If viewers this week think that G. Michael’s words are particularly harsh, they should see what was edited out.
