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EDITORIAL: Something is not right

By on June 22, 2015
Rupert Myles detention

Rupert Myles detention

Punta Gorda town, Toledo. June 22, 2015. [The views expressed in this editorial are those of Patrick E. Jones. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the other members of West Vision.]

The optics of the ugly incident in Santa Cruz village, Toledo on Saturday, June 20, are unsettling.

There is no getting over that. But as I publically stated in my initial editorial comment on the issue, if I am convinced that I was wrong in my initial viewpoint, I would come back with an acknowledgement and statement in the same forum. So here I am.

Having heard both sides of the story, interview with Mr. Rupert Myles on Sunday, June 21, and hearing from the Maya Leaders Alliance on Monday, I, Patrick E. Jones, am satisfied that the initial concern that the issue was based on racism is not substantiated enough for me to maintain that position.

I therefore state, for the record, that I do not believe that the incident was sparked by racism, even as I am aware of individuals in the village who hold the view that they are not comfortable with black people living among them.

What culminated on Saturday, June 20, is part of a process that has been  building over time. And it needs urgent attention before it spills over into something else and sparks even more strife in one of the more peaceful districts of Belize.

The facts as I have been able to confirm show that Mr. Myles, after he was made aware of the requirements to obtain entry as a resident into the village, attempted to navigate those channels.

Where it went wrong, or what was said by who and how it was said, is now an exercise in “he said” and “he said” and each sticking to their side of the story.  Fair enough.

What needs to happen now, then, having established that there are issues on both sides, if for everyone to step back for a moment, evaluate the situation and then come back to the table and continue forward towards a peaceful resolution.

So, to summarize. The shackling of Rupert Myles on Saturday, June 20, was not a racist undertaking. And yes, I still agree that the optics of the event look bad. Very bad.

Having learnt a lesson from it, let’s now acknowledge those lessons learnt and move forward together to solve this issue.  We need to continue living together as one people, despite our cultural differences.

We are one Belize. I love Belize. You love Belize. We love Belize. Belize forever!

 

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