Belize is blessed with natural beauty. This country is on the north eastern coast of Central America and although a small country, it has much literature and treasures to offer. It has been slow going for the rest of the world to realize all that this small country has to offer, but the world is quickly catching on. Belize is becoming a country that must be visited because of its beauty and culture. It is now on many people’s radar.
In addition, persons are beginning to see the wealth of literature and poetry coming from this region. Today we are treated with poetry which has been influenced by the English, the Spanish, and the Belizean Creole. This cultural combination makes it a rare gem in the history of world poetry.
Having won its independence as recently as September 21, 1981, it is still considered a very young country. But that has certainly not stopped the country from producing a long list of highly respected poets. These great poets have captured the trials and ordeals of immigrants, their survival, and the many struggles they have endured. Many of these poems have been the light of awakening to the local populace and have been instrumental to help create awareness and change; albeit sometimes slow. Some of the great poets are Samuel Alfred Haynes, Angela Gegg, Corinth Morter Lewis, Kalilah Enriquez, George Gabb and Karan Chand just to name a few of the more accomplished. As an example of how beautiful poetry is from this part of the world and how it captures some of the ordeals that Belizean citizens have experienced, a poem written by Karan Chand called Belizean blend is well known by many. An excerpt from his writing is:
“Africans from Jamaica and Bermuda transshipped
Then as chattel they were frequently whipped
Stolen from Africa, becoming the major labour force
Dehumanized and tortured for centuries without remorse”
Angela Gegg is another poet born before the independence and her writing shows a different fabric of that society and a different path people have taken within that country. Because she has been very much a part of the more current scene and on television since 2004 in Belize, she uses a more modern approach to reach the masses. Her work has also been followed with much respect across the United States of America, Belize, and throughout the Caribbean.
Another great poet, George Seymour Gabb, M.B.E is also well-respected. He was awarded the “Order of the British Empire”. Gabb was born in February 28, 1928 so he was able to witness the pre and post-independence path the country took in gaining freedoms. His collection of poems and proverbs reflect his insight into this time periods. One of his famous writings is titled The Naked Eye.
A leading figure in the poetry literature world of Belize is Kalilah Enriquez. He is considered one of Belize’s great poets and some of his work has been published in an anthology of poetry. Also, his collection of poems in Shades of Red is worth reading. Poetry by these greats in Belize is not quite at the level where it should be; however, as time progresses their talent and wonderful art of literature will receive the accolades that it truly deserves. Keep your eye out for more great literature stuff coming from this area.
