Soccer is not the only Growing Sport in Belize

Table tennis in the Central American country of Belize is growing at a rapid rate.

Arguably the speed of growth is as fast, if not faster, than anywhere else in the world.

Accepted they do not have players who as yet can grace the world stage and contend for the highest honours in the sport but when it comes to innovation, new ideas and increasing participation; then their world ranking is amongst the very elite.

In less than two years since the Belize Table Tennis Association was formed, a sound organisational structure under Arturo “Tux” Vasquez, the President, has been put in place and, by the day, there seems to be new developments in place.

Milestone
The weekend of Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2009 saw yet another milestone reached.

“After several conversations with a very energetic and enthusiastic parents from Holy Redeemer Primary School in Belize City, the reality of introducing table tennis to the students began this Saturday”, said Arturo Vasquez. “Headed by Mrs. Tanya Mahler, the Holy Redeemer Primary School parents were able to raise enough funds to acquire three table tennis tables for the school, combining this with the already existing spacious school Parish Hall Auditorium, efforts between the parents and the national association resulted in the first session for the children.”

A venue, table tennis tables and from that base you can build.

Experienced Assistance
“After a somewhat short notice to parents and considering that the school year has only just began, some 15 or so very enthusiastic children showed up this Saturday to be introduced to the sport of table tennis”, continued Arturo Vaquez. “Experienced Belize Table Tennis Association members were on hand to provide coaching and encouragement to these very curious minded kids; aged seven to about 14, they were all very excited to be a part of this event.”

Giving back to table tennis is always good to see.

More Coaching
“Ernesto “Brother” Rivero and Nelito “Nel” Ayuso, both top ranked and experienced Belize senior players were available to assist the children throughout the session that ran from around 2.00pm to about 5.30pm”, continued Arturo Vasquez. “Additional schedules will be made available to the children during weekdays with the Parish Hall Auditorium totally available and accessible to the students, it will definitely help the development of table tennis at Holy Redeemer Primary School.”

The session over it was time for more promotion.

Further Information
“After the session, the children were provided with “hand outs” that included information about the Belize Table Tennis Association, with relevant application forms to become members of the Association”, explained Arturo Vasquez. “Also provided were some printed “tips” on the “Basics of Table Tennis” and a few incentives of free DVD’s; with parents present, it was very encouraging to see the interest shown to the Belize Table Tennis Association’s effort to introduce the sport to the school.”

It is very much a first step but an important step and one which will enable children to both enjoy and advance in the sport of table tennis.

Constitution Provision
“The Constitution was written to allow clubs to be member of the he Belize Table Tennis Association; thus the Holy Redeemer School Table Tennis Club is now a member”, explained Arturo Vasquez. “Also, some Tibhar rackets and balls were donated to the school by the Association who will continue to support the efforts of the Holy Redeemer Primary School Table Tennis Club.”

Certainly working in harmony is the way forward and the school would seem to be as progressive as the National Association.

More Coaches
“The school is already planning on providing club identity cards”, continued Arturo Vasquez. “Also, the Belize Table Tennis Association has already begun the process of identifying interested adults from within the school who play table tennis to become certified ITTF Level One coaches by attending the forthcoming ITTF Development Programme course in Belize in November.”

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Paradise in Belize turns sour for Ashcroft

Michael Ashcroft, the Tory peer and donor who is masterminding a key part of David Cameron’s election strategy, has been denounced in his adopted homeland of Belize for using his money to “subjugate an entire nation”.
In an extraordinary attack, the Prime Minister of Belize accused Lord Ashcroft of being “predatory” and implied that he had subjected the former colony to “new age slavery”.
“There will be no more suffering of this one man’s campaign to subjugate an entire nation to his will,” said Dean Barrow in a specially convened parliamentary debate called to renationalise the country’s main telephone company, which was formerly owned by Mr Ashcroft.
The ferocity of the attack suggests that the Belize government is out to break Lord Ashcroft’s influence in the country, which could lead to more attacks and embroil the Conservative vice-chairman in a series of controversies most unwelcome to Mr Cameron.
Mr Ashcroft’s political links in Belize are with the People’s United Party (PUP), which lost control in an election last year to Mr Barrow’s United Democratic Party (UDP).
Lord Ashcroft founded his fortune in Belize, where his father was posted by the Foreign Office in the 1950s, and where his huge business empire formerly included almost the entire telecommunications network. He now devotes much of his time to his role as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and has a permanent office and staff at Tory campaign headquarters, though on his website he says: “If home is where the heart is, then my home is in Belize.”
Yesterday, the Belize government seized control of Telemedia in a Bill rushed through Parliament, in the hope of ending a protracted legal dispute fought in law courts in Belize, the UK, the United States and Canada.
Mr Barrow, a 58-year-old lawyer and Belize’s first black Prime Minister, introduced the Bill in an emotive speech which represented it as an attempt by a small nation to liberate itself from the overbearing influence of a billionaire.
“Lord Michael Ashcroft is an extremely powerful man. His net worth may well be equal to Belize’s entire GDP. He is nobody to cross,” he warned Belize’s Parliament.
But he added: “This is our House, this is our country. Here we are masters, here we are sovereign. And with the full weight of that sovereignty we must now put an end to this disrespect, to this chance taking, to new age slavery.
“There will thus be no more Telemedia awards against us; no more Telemedia court battles; no more debilitating waste of government’s energies and resources.”
Lord Ashcroft’s spokesman said yesterday that the peer no longer owns Telemedia, and that his name had been dragged into the controversy for purely political reasons. A statement issued by a charity called the Hayward Charitable Belize Trust said that it owned 70 per cent of Telemedia prior to nationalisation, with most of the rest of the shares held by the workforce.
“Michael has had no personal involvement in this,” the spokesman said. “His involvement goes back some generations in corporate terms. The rest of it is just party politics. The fact that people try to drag him into this situation is indicative of the kind of party politics in Belize.”
Telemedia was originally created as Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) when Mr Barrow’s party was previously in power in 1987, to end the dominance of the UK telecoms group Cable & Wireless.
In 1992, the UDP lost control of the Belize government to the rival PUP, who sold BTL to Michael Ashcroft in a deal which Mr Barrow denounced as driven by “the predatory designs of one man, facilitated by the greed and hunger for cash of the then PUP administration”.
Later, Lord Ashcroft relinquished control of the company. According to the statement by the Hayward Trust, he became involved again only because he was asked to by the government.
“They turned to Lord Ashcroft to find a solution to put an end to the complex litigation that they had got themselves into,” the statement claimed. “Lord Ashcroft did not want to own Telemedia again and felt that there was an opportunity to make Telemedia an entity in which charities and employees could benefit. He used his skills over a long period of both time and attrition to achieve this objective.”
The attack on Lord Ashcroft by Belize’s Prime Minister echoed the feelings of Labour MPs struggling to hold on to marginal seats against candidates generously bankrolled by the billionaire Tory.
The Labour MP Gordon Prentice, who has campaigned to have Lord Ashcroft banned from making political donations in the UK until his tax status is cleared up, said yesterday evening: “I’m delighted that the change of government is bringing a wind of change to Belize. I just hope David Cameron is listening to what the Belize Prime Minister is saying.”

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Belize History: The Maya, Spanish, and British Occupation

Belize is formerly known as British Honduras and is a small country of approximately 280,00 people. It is the only English speaking country in Central America and is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy that recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as sovereign. Belize, as with other Central American countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) and southeastern Mexico, was originally settled by the ancient Maya. There are over two-dozen documented ancient Mayan linguistic groups in this area, three of which currently reside in Belize. The Maya currently make up about 10% of the population of Belize and include the Yucatec in the north near the Yucatan border, the Q’eqchi in the south, near Punta Gorda, and the Mopan, in western Belize near the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen.

THE MAYA OF BELIZE AND EARLIER

Paleoindian is the earliest time period recorded in Belize thus far (Ca. 11,500 – 8000 BC) this is followed by the Archaic (Ca. 8000 – 900 BC) and the approximate ancient Maya Chronology that follows these preceramic periods include:

* Preclassic – 900 BC to AD 250 (often cited as early as 1500 BC)

* Classic – AD 250 to 900

* Postclassic – AD 900 to 1500

* Historic and Colonial – AD 1500 to Present

Numerous sites and city-states existed throughout Belize that represent these time periods, notably: Cerros, Colha, Cuello, Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Lamanai, Altun Ha, Lubaantun, El Pilar, Santa Rita, and sacred caves that include Barton Creek, Actun Tunichil Muknal, and Che Chem Ha. The occupational history of the Maya in southeast Mexico and Central America is endless especially since today there are over 5 million Maya descendants and Belize is certainly a portion of this.

BELIZE HISTORIC PERIOD

Early 16th century records indicate that in AD 1544 the Maya city of Lamanai, in northern Belize, was to be part of the Spanish encomienda system (royal grant to a Spaniard for the right to labor and tribute a native population, they are also responsible for christianizing the natives). Although there certainly are early reports of Spanish contact in other areas of the New World, the documented reference of Lamanai and the construction of a Spanish church at Lamanai around AD 1570 provide securely dated European settlement influence in Belize.

The Maya society these first Europeans encountered were a very different population that had undergone many transformations since the height of the “Classic Period”. Contact in Belize with Europeans was detrimental to the existing Maya through disease, slavery, and fighting. During the 18th century through logging concessions given to Britain by Spain the modern boundaries of Belize were created. Spain claimed sovereignty but did not settle the land. The British settlers at this time were primarily ex-pirates who were no longer supported by their governments who were now attempting to stamp out piracy. These settlers called for British support and protection from the attacks by the Spanish and remaining Maya populations. The most famous of the British armed forces involvement was the Battle of St. George’s Caye in 1798; it was the battle that marked the end of the Spanish claims to the territory.

MORE RECENT BELIZE HISTORY

It took some two hundred years after Spanish contact for Belize to gain independence from Spain, it was in 1871 that Belize was officially declared a British Crown Colony. After this time both the population and economy grew significantly, the economy primarily centered around forest products of Mahogany, chicle, and logwood. The population increases included groups of African, Garifuna, mestizo (a mix of Spanish and Maya descent), and Maya refugees fleeing the Caste War in Mexico. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries a number of Indian and Chinese indentured laborers arrived after the abolition of slavery, and Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian Arabs also began arriving, fleeing the political unrest in the Middle East. It was in the 1950’s that Belize backed a unique settlement with Mennonites from Mexico; this settlement provides Mennonites with sovereignty similar to what Native Americans in the United States were granted.

It was also in 1950 that George Price led the campaign for Belizean Independence. As with other British colonies self-government was achieved in 1964. Due to Guatemala’s continued threat to overtake Belize once the British pulled out, Belize’s true independence did not take place until September 21, 1981. Since Belize needed protection and had no army forces a full time British army remained in Belize until 1994.

Belize is a fascinating country and immigrations through the years have created a unique multi-cultural friendly society.

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7 steps to Belize Cultural Immersion

There are many ways to enjoy and immerse you in this wonderfully diverse country in South America. There are many ways to enjoy this wonderfully diverse country in South America. Belize is a small country just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Belize is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. It is a friendly and English speaking country. Belize culture today is ethnically diverse and culturally rich and has many things to offer visitors from its diverse ecology to its historical pre-Columbian Maya sites. Belize is an adventure waiting to happen and there are some things you can do while visiting to get the most of your cultural experience in Belize.

1. To really immerse yourself in the Belize culture you need to experience some of its past and the best way to see and learn about its past is to visit historical locations. To begin you can visit archaeological sites such as the Xunantunich in the west of the country and south of this visit Caracol, found in the Caya district. These will give you a good start in your immersion of Belizean culture.

2. The second way to continue with your Belizean cultural immersion is to look around for and experience some of the many natural resources to be found there, from the tropical rainforests, the barrier reef, the beaches to its wildlife and the preserved natural world of Belize. Ecotourism here is popular as the principles are good news for locals as one of the main goals is that sustainable tourism is developed, supporting the locals as well as the land and the wildlife. You will come to appreciate the environment better here as you get to know it more, seeing how the people interact with different parts of their environment.

3. Continuing your immersion into the culture of Belize it must be remembered history and nature are only a start. Hungry no doubt by now the next stop on the agenda is for food. Restaurants and bars are abundant in Peru in the towns and some of the best food can be found in the town squares, where you will find Belize’s version of street vendors. In the evening grills are set up to cook tacos, hot dogs, burgers to order. You will find locals eating here alongside the tourists. This is an excellent way to taste the cuisine of Peru.

4. When planning a trip to Belize it is wise to decide what you want out of the trip and then look at the best season. It might be wise to avoid September through November as the hurricane season peaks. Travelling is most popular for exploring nature from December through February, the temperatures not too high. The Belizeans celebrate numerous festivals and these in turn add to the color and sounds of the culture. You will be immersed in how the Belizeans celebrate their holidays.

5. As with other South American countries the Belize community gathers in their town squares. In San Pedro you will find many small shops and street vendors, local artists and craftsmen all displaying their wares, their paintings, pottery, baskets, jewellery, t-shirts, wooden carvings, etc. All reflecting the heritage and culture of this small country. Here you can immerse yourself in the culture and traditions, the costumes, crafts and food of Belize, enjoying the smells and sights of all on offer of the local culture within Belize.
6. The next step for immersing yourself in the Belizean culture is to meet people, and to talk to them about their lives and how they live. The Belize people are informal and friendly, always willing to talk. From the local artisans you can learn about their family roots and their ancient traditions at first hand. From people you meet in cafes you can learn about their daily lives. It is a good way to relax and unwind while at the same time a good chance to mix in an unstressed atmosphere.

7. Another way to immerse you into the Belize culture is to volunteer through the many programs run by non-government organization which help with health and education of the indigenous people. UNESCO for example run programs to alleviate the isolation of communities and to use skills for sustainable employment within the areas of tourism and preservation of their heritage. A fantastic opportunity to become involved in and experience Belize as tourists rarely can.

Some or all of these steps are a good way to immerse you in the culture of Belize. You will see the world through their eyes and this will be an eye opening experience. However you choose to do it you will be a changed person, with an internal view of a world that is wonderful, yet not so innocent. Plan your travel itinerary and make the most of your time. Using these guidelines will help to make your trip unforgettable.

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Legends of Belize — La X’tabai

This folk story came to my attention by chance and la X’tabai fascinated me with her story as an enchantress, encantadora. The legend of this beautiful young girl of Indian descent with her long straight silky black hair is found in San Pedro. Many men have seen or met this young woman, the results varying, but frequently leading to disaster for them.

X’tabai is said to only appear to those men that wander in the bush late at night. She calls to the men and takes them into the bush where when she has finished with them will kill them or leave them in pain. She can change herself to appear like a prickly tree or even a snake.

One story that is told is of a young man of fifteen who was always going out and returning home late. His mother often warned him that something will happen to him but still he goes to town.

Then one night while walking home late he sees a beautiful young girl combing her long black hair. She calls to him and then moves into the bush with the young man following, and as he follows he remembers the story his mother had related to him many times. He knows he is in the presence of la X’tabai and he cannot run.

The beautiful girl turned to the young man and slowly hugs him, at which point she changes into a prickly tree, her feet becoming long sharp claws. The prickles enter the young man’s body and the claws scratch him. As suddenly as she changes, la X’tabai disappears and the young man falls to the ground in pain. It took him several hours to find the road and when he does a car is passing, but stops, the driver getting out and picking him up.

“I think you have seen the X’tabai,” he said while placing the young man into his car. He takes him to an old man who collects leaves and bathes his body, the wounds.

After a week the young man is well again and he tells his friends the story, having himself learnt a useful lesson and now listens to his mother. This like many legends is one that is often used to get children to obey their parents, instilling fear to keep them on the straight and narrow.

It was said by the natives around Don Pedro of this legend that those men who left X’tabai became ill with fever or were harmed in some way. Those that stayed with her were unharmed. It is also claimed with this legend that the sign of the cross will make her disappear, and praying seemed to protect men if they see her in the bush, no evil would come to them.

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