VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN THE REALM, THE COIN, THE REPUBLIC

By HILLY BENNETT

“Decolonization implies that there has been a prior state, namely, colonization. When colonization is referred to in the political or in the economic sense one immediately thinks of a territory controlled from a distance by a metropolitan country and an administrative system which reflects such control…The task of decolonization in Belize has been to break away from a state of control by Great Britain not only politically and economically, but also culturally and educationally “J Alexander Bennett.

The coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, took place on 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. King Charles acceded the throne on 8th September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.

Over 2,000 people were on the list of invitees to King Charles III’s coronation, including high-profile royals and world leaders. Her Excellency, Dame Froyla Tzlam and Honorable Francis Fonseca, representing Belize on behalf of Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño were among those invited guests.

Notwithstanding, the pomp and circumstance and grandeur of the event the whisper became loud. It was time for Belize to rid itself of the last vestiges of colonialism. During a parliamentary session, Honorable Henry Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform and Religious Affairs told Parliament and directed to the Speaker of the House that “ …the decolonization process is enveloping the Caribbean region. Perhaps it is time for Belize to take that next step in truly owning our independence. But it is a matter for the people to decide on, “ he added. Belize stands as the last Caribbean country where the monarchy could be removed without a referendum, Barbados was the other. The impetus for the removal of the monarch as Head of State will be the recommendation of the Peoples Constitutional Commission ( PCC ). However, like Jamaica removing the monarch can be pursued through a vote in parliament. The Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable John Briceño told The Guardian newspaper it was “ quite likely “ that Belize could be the next Commonwealth realm to become a republic. Barbados made the move in 2021. Jamaica is also considering to replace the monarchy as their head of state. Marlene Malahoo Forte, Jamaica’s Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs told Britain Sky News television that “ Time has come. Jamaica in Jamaican hands “

Nonetheless, what would it mean for the realms to become republics apart from closing the final chapter of colonialism - the removal of the monarch as the head of state? PM Briceño has acknowledged that Belize like Barbados would remain a part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Guardian noted after the interview that Briceño has also considered the challenges to dispel the many myths that surround the transitioning into a republic. One of the longstanding myths is a fear that departure from the crown would re-intensify the ongoing border dispute with neighboring Guatemala. The matter is before the International Court of Justice ( ICJ ) and that worry has not been intense as in the past. Another of the myths is the devaluation of the Belize dollar if the country rid itself of the monarchy. The Belize dollar is pegged to the United States dollar. The matter was explained by the Governor of the Central Bank, Kareem Michael that the only cost would come if the present currency with the face of the monarch would be removed from circulation.

The Prime Minister John Briceño when asked about the revelance of the coronation has on the Belizean people replied that “there is no excitement, we are so far away from the UK … you don’t see people taking out their Union Jack flags or anything.” The sentiments could be contributed to the management and governance of the country. The successes and historic achievements have been realized by the Peoples United Party Government and not by inputs of the monarch. The removal of preferential treatment seen as a means of reparation is indicative of the falsities of compensation for the atrocities committed by the motherland.

Dr Harshan Kumarasingham, a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Edinburg said that “the Commonwealth’s obituary has been written so many times, but it’s never been true somehow it keeps surviving. And one of the reasons is that it does continue in the fabric of British society, and societies of all member states.” There are those who want change but at the same time hold onto some of the things responsible for the past. The royal creoles and the affection of the monarch disregarding the colonial past. Prime Minister John Briceño told the Guardian that “The United Kingdom became great on the backs of colonies and they do have a responsibility to have some form of reparation. They will never be able to pay back what was plundered and probably the millions of lives that were lost.” The PM added “a public apology is a start.”

Belize has recently been lauded for its economic performance in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive summary. One of Belize’s biggest achievements is the reduction of debt to GDP ratio. The reality is that there is consistent economic growth. There are indicators that economic growth numbers will surpass those published by the IMF. The PUP continues to chart the road to economic independence. With little or no support from the Monarchy. Clearly, moving from the Monarchy to Republic would not retard the Jewel, the Haven of Democracy, Belize’s development. Therefore, it is “quite likely “that it is “perhaps time for Belize to take that step in truly owning our independence.” Whether by referendum or a vote of Parliament the country’s future lie in the hands of Belizeans under the Peoples United Party Government. To be or not to be a republic is the question. Aluta continua!

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties. Sales currently running until 15th July 2023. Public Auction Sales will expire fortnightly within this period on the dates and times listed on the website until these properties are sold.

11. Lot No. 61 St. Margaret’s Village, Cayo District, Belize:

ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 50 (568.219 Square Meters) situate in Mango Creek Village Extension, Stann Creek District bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 784 of 2003 and more particularly described in Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 784 of 2003 together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. The freehold property of Ms. Lourdes Rudon.

ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 61 containing 1223.609 square yards situate in St. Margaret’s Village, Cayo District, Belize and bounded and described as shown on the plan attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 303 of 2004 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being Thereon, the freehold property of Mr. Miguel Angel Arevalo.

Gillett.

14. Parcels Nos. 43 & 44 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District:

Lots Nos. 43 and 44 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District TOGETHER with all building erections and developments standing and being thereon. The freehold property of Mr. Wilburn Cuthkelvin and Ms. Ycela Yvette Puc.

15. Parcels No. 15A Pomona Village, Stann Creek District:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 15A comprising 696.567 square meters of land situate in Pomona Village, Stann Creek District. The freehold property of Mr. Nohe Lima.

16.Lot No. 152 San Juan Village, Stann Creek District:

Maria Smith/Messrs. BACAB Eco - Park

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 152 comprising 458.531 Square Meters of land situate in San Juan Village, Stann Creek District. The freehold property of Mrs. Juana A. Morey.

The property of Ms. Stella Marie Rudon.

17. Parcel No. 5363 Lake View Drive, Lake Gardens, Ladyville, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL

Ladyville/Lords Bank 16 5363

Freehold property of Ms. Melissa Watson Ellis.

The property of Mr. Juan Montano