Amid crime, political conflict, some good works stand out
Criminals may continue to prey on law abiding Belizeans and politicians will not stop arguing about whether we live in the best or worst of times. But on Christmas Eve I went out looking for some people and organisations that did Belize proud in 2007. Here are three who made a difference.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
She was one of the biggest national stars in 2007 and tonight Karaoke champion Reecie Pollard is still basking in the moment.
Reecie Pollard, Ultimate KTV Champion
“It has been wonderful, especially when you go out in the streets, you meet people, congratulating you still and telling you that you’ve done a wonderful job, a good job. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
According to Pollard, she is now a recording artist but she won’t forget her fans in 2008.
Reecie Pollard
“I’m still available to the public if they want me to do anything for them. … Singing is something I love, so I don’t see me putting that behind for right now. This is something I will continue to do because I love it.”
“I want to say merry Christmas to Belize, all my fans, everybody who supported me, thank you very much and have a wonderful—enjoy your holiday and Merry Christmas once again and a Happy New Year to you.”
But while KTV was big, in 2007 environmental stories also dominated the headlines. First there was the public outcry against the sale of land in the Bacalar Chico Reserve, an issue that preceded the signing of the Lamanai declaration II as part of a call for sustainable development.
But the recent exposure of dredging activity in the World Heritage Site of the Pelican range is a stark reminder that the work is not done.
Anna Hoare, Executive Director, Belize Audubon Society
“As we look back at what happened this year in terms of the environmental issues, I think it’s a time to think about unity, about what we can achieve in solidarity with other groups to ensure that the environment is kept healthy, not only for us but also for our children, all Belizeans and also for the world at large.”
And Audubon’s Executive Director Anna Hoare is hoping that unity will carry through in 2008.
Anna Hoare, Executive Director, Belize Audubon Society
“Definitely we are working towards advocating more to ensure that we have better policies, we also want to be more proactive in ensuring that people do follow up the regulations that already exist in regards to environmental protection and maintenance. We also want to ensure that people become more concerned, because really it is the shared responsibility of all of us to make sure that the environment is kept healthy. And so we are calling on everybody to make sure that we unify not only when we have issues, but also ensuring that the right thing is done when it comes to the environment.”
While environmental issues put us on the world map for the wrong reasons, in 2007 Lyndon and Lavern Bailey were the fourth Belizeans to receive regional recognition as FirstCaribbean’s Unsung Heroes.
Lyndon Bailey, Co-Founder, TUBAL Training and Vocational Institute
“It taught me that if you give back to society, you know, it brings blessing to your heart. You feel that you’ve done something great, you’ve given back to your country.”
High on Bailey’s wish list for 2008 is that others will follow in his footsteps.
Lyndon Bailey
“We will continue on our path, continue to help and continue to touch life. …
To all those who are touching life, continue to do what you are doing and know that they will receive a blessing from it.”
But tonight, Bailey just wants to share the blessing of the season.
Lyndon Bailey
“Merry Christmas and Merry Christmas to you too Janelle. Alright.”
Anna Hoare
“Merry Christmas to one and all and a Happy New Year!”
Reporting for News Five, I am Janelle Chanona.
