The recent callous and as far as we know, unprovoked execution of a member of Belize’s security forces has rekindled some deep and of late, almost dormant feelings of apprehension in the citizens of Belize. In some, it has evoked fear but in some, anger and in many, a feeling of patriotism and determination. Our issues with Guatemala go way back before any of us were born and for many years, presented a roadblock to our Independence. Guatemala has long claimed that Belize belongs to them as a consequence of some unfounded and inherited claim from Spain. The Father of our Nation was resolute in his quest and felt that we should not let the fear of any bully deter us from self determination. In 1981, we finally were given and accepted our Independence, albeit in the face of objections from many even within our fold. Many were afraid and those from among that number that could leave, left! Those who remained dug in and in spite of deep political tribalism and severe economic hardships have forged a nation from the vestiges of colonialism. Things have gotten better for Belize economically with the advent of a robust tourism industry, sugar, banana and citrus crops, and an oil industry showing some yield and promise of more to come. Maybe I should say that things have gotten better for some Belizeans because on a whole, the profits from this “wealth untold” has not seen the kind of trickledown effect that could serve to lift the marginalized and destitute among us from the debilitating throes of abject poverty. The greed and selfishness of those in whom we entrusted management and stewardship of our resources have failed us miserably while they have proceeded to feather their own nests. Quite a few millionaires have been created over the past few decades but the number of Belizeans in need has also grown exponentially. Time to share the wealth! This very unfortunate incident at Caracol might indeed serve as a “turning point” in the way things are being handled in Belize and if indeed the murder of young Danny triggers this much needed paradigm shift, then it will be the least that we can do to honor his sacrifice and his death will not be totally in vain. On Thursday September 25th, Special Constable Danny Conorquie was ambushed and murdered in a most vicious and cold blooded fashion while escorting tourists to Belize’s most popular tourism destination. Evidence reveals that young Cornorquie was shot in the back after which his murderer stood over him and shot him again, this time in his face. It is believed that his murder was in retaliation for five horses that were confiscated the previous day by other members of our security forces. The Caracol area is known to be frequented by not only tourists to Belize but by illegal loggers and encroachers from neighboring Guatemala. A video has recently been released which was taken by one of the tourists at the sight but while it did record the sounds of the gunshots that killed the young officer and the eventual aftermath, it did not capture the actual slaying. Caracol is a large ancient Maya archaeological site, located in the Cayo District about fifteen miles from our border with Guatemala. It rests on an area known as the Vaca Plateau at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level and in the foothills of the majestic Maya Mountains. It is now known that the site was one of the most important regional political centers of the Maya during the Classic Period that spanned the centuries between 250 – 900 AD. Caracol covered an area much larger than present day Belize City and at its height is believed to have had a population of around 150,000 residents, more than twice that of our old capital’s current population. In December of 2012, I accompanied some family members to Caracol where we camped out and awaited the much heralded and anticipated 12-21-12 or end of the Mayan calendar. I learned much about the site from Dr. Awe who gave an educational and enlightening presentation. Caracol is truly a national treasure and should be protected and preserved. In response to Danny Conorquie’s death, our seemingly shaken and obviously quite frightened Foreign Minister tried in vain to convince Belizeans that it was not Guatemalan bandits who carried out the ruthless execution; few if any are convinced. At Conorquie’s funeral, an obviously enraged and emotional senior Police Officer assured family members that he and his investigating team were absolutely sure that the murderers were Guatemalans. He emphasized that they were not Hondurans nor Salvadorans nor any other Central Americans. The investigations he said revealed that the culprits were Guatemalans. Interestingly enough, less than 24 hours later, that same senior officer issued a statement retracting his comments. Now Dinsdale Thompson is not only a senior and well-respected Police Officer but a chaplain in the Police Department. He is not easily moved to harsh comments but from his words, one could tell that he was stirred emotionally. Mr. Thompson’s retraction was obviously ordered by someone higher up but such a statement, like the spent arrow, cannot be simply retracted and erased. In particular when it has so squarely hit its mark! Thompson called on Belizeans to “rise up” and to not continue to allow foreign intruders to take our lives and our resources. His comments were received with much applause and approval from Danny’s family and those who attended the funeral. Conversely, statements by the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister was viewed with much skepticism and considered by many to fall way short of what was appropriate for the magnitude of the situation. We understand the caution but one can only imagine what the response from Guatemalan leaders would have been like had this shoe been on the other foot. Can you imagine a Belizean shooting and killing a member of Guatemala’s security forces; in particular in such a senseless and coldhearted fashion? The Belize that we have today is not the Belize that existed leading up to Independence. Our people have grown accustomed to our sovereignty and will not surrender that easily. No longer are our people moved to fear by the threat or invasion but I believe that we would be more readily moved to resistance. Our leaders would do well to reflect that attitude and courage. We have a crop of young warriors in our streets that is not afraid to kill or die and that makes them very dangerous. They are currently engaged in killing off each other but that anger and rage could quite quickly and easily be redirected toward any threat from intruders. The thought of invasion no longer strikes the kind of fear in our hearts that it used to do. Our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister need to make it clear to Guatemala. Belize is an independent nation and we are determined to remain that way. Any further incursions and aggression will be dealt with accordingly and no more will we be pressured into paying compensation to those who accost us wrongfully. Yes, Belize is for Belizeans and Belizeans will defend what is ours to the last man. So it is written, so let it be done. May GOD bless and protect Belize always!
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 11:01:31 +0000
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