Erwin X releases new book of poems

You have seen him on this newscast on many occasions in a number of different capacities … and today is no exception for Erwin X. News Five’s Kendra Griffith has the latest.

Kendra Griffith, Reporting
Ghetto Food is just one of the fifty-four poems in Erwin X’s new book of the same name. According to the poet, he spent the last eight years compiling the collection.

Erwin X, Poet
“I have been a voice vociferating the conditions affecting our people from Corozal to Punta Gorda and now I have my poems packaged and ready for Belizeans in Belize and abroad and of course regional and international support to purchase their copies.”

In the nine years since his first book, Erwin X has not only been writing, he’s also been recording … In 2006 he released a video for his popular poem, “Life Haad Out Ya,” which is included in Ghetto Food.

Erwin X
“I am a repository of our people’s condition and this is why I write. And so when I convey a thought, it is done based on what I have experienced, what I feel, what I smell, what I think, and then I put it on paper.”

And now the graphics designer turned poet and activist is trying his hand at something else: electoral politics. He is running as the V.I.P. standard bearer for Port Loyola in this year’s general elections.

Erwin X
“Where there is no vision, the people perish and in the history of Belize and traditionally our people have been adamant and stubborn to support a third party. But there is always a time for change and if you look at the world, we are look at a paradigm shift country in many democracies and many nations around the world.”

Kendra Griffith
“What about the people who say that those individuals cannot accomplish much if they are not a part of a party? If they don’t have that backing, that financial backing?”

Erwin X
“Well, that is something that I think also need to change. It’s a mindset that we need to appeal for change because there are ministers and elected representatives who have been attached to certain parties that still haven’t done anything for our people and they are attached to resources, it’s not about that, it’s about the individual. … So I do not subscribe to that mentality and I believe that if we seriously want to bring about change—any individual that is elected into office could bring about change in the community if they stand up and work with the people and lead the way they should and that is by example.”

“If you look at the word southside and you tek out the S and the H, it leaves us with the word outside. We want to get out people on the inside. Vote fi Erwin X.”

And of course, don’t forget to pick up a copy of Ghetto Food.

Erwin X
“I goh from Corozal to Punta Gorda in the schools conducting lectures and doing poetry and I find that our people are very inspired and motivated, so I want that motivation and inspiration to be translated now into economic support as well and get the book.”

Kendra Griffith reporting for New Five.

Ghetto Food sells for twenty dollars at Xpress Designs at 38 Central American Boulevard or you can get a copy by contacting Erwin at 604-6895.