Hot Seat Politics

By know, i think you may already know that being a politician is like being a drug dealer; It's easy money, it's a dirty job, no moral values required and it's very addicting. I'll start by giving my idea of what a politician should be. A politician should be a man who understands his people and tries to make life better for those who voted for him and those who are suffering. He should be a defender of justice, with the law at his side and the power of this country in the other. He should be selfless and humble. Is there a politician like this anymore? Besides the 1% out there in the world that is like what I explained above, reality is harsher than what it is written in a dictionary or in our minds.

Now, let me explain the sad reality of my country. Belize is a beautiful country, filled with friendly people and wonderful scenery. Deep within our social system there are three castes (I Call Them That) that rule our country with an iron fist. They are: The Politicians, The Religious Factions/Churches, and The Police Force. Today, I will explain all that which I have observed with out Political System.

Firstly: A strong influence on all that which is not supposed to be influence by Politics. The finest example is our Educational System. Yes, you heard right, our schools and highschools are so heavily influenced by it that teachers of the same political party are preferred to those of a different party. Skill is not required, all you need is to be 'in love' with that political party and presto! You are a teacher. It is a sad fact, even though our educational system is way higher to the one in the USA. When the political party ruling the school is defeated, they are all fired, save for the few who changed affiliations at the last minute, and a new crop is added. Then the cycle continues on and on. And it has been going on and on for so long. An example of this is Mopan Technical Highschool. Trust me, that is one good Highschool, and it had the great potential of surpassing its closest rival, Sacred Heart College, but it is currently in the influence of the UDP, which is the winning political party. The few teachers there that are not UDP are tormented and cast aside, even though they have so much experience. Another school under the influence of politics is Mount Carmel Primary School. Teachers of the same political affiliation are not touched even if they make the worst of mistakes, but if someone from the PUP or else, does a slight mistake, they are fired or sent somewhere in the country. It is a sad fate for the students who have to keep up with this crap all over the country.

Secondly: False promises. Yes, this is the same everywhere you go in the world. Politicians promise you the world, and in the end, you get a tiny islet. It is so true. I've heard their empty promises first hand, and even felt their lies. My beloved little town of Benque Viejo Del Carmen had suffered through that every year, every elections, every change of power. They promise aid, and we get their bills. And example can be the empty promise of the Minister Of Education. He promised, while visiting Mount Carmel Primary School, scholarships for all those who passed with high grades. Swimming upon that fantasy, we rushed to profit from that priviledge, only to be set aside by these words, "I did not promise anything for that. I only said that I would give a small aid." My only regrett is that i didn't have a camera or a recorder on the day he promised.

Thirdly and Finally: A strong politically influenced following. It's politics, what else can someone else expect? People who fight for those who suck us dry, to the point that they cause serious harm. It is very, very common here. Sad fate for such a beautiful country.