As an advocate and activist it has been very interesting to watch what is happening on Belize with recent protests as well as follow commentary online. For years a few of us have spoken up about injustice, human rights, land rights, education rights and other matters but that is an exhausting journey frought with lots of challenges and aometimes even death
Recently I have noticed that others have started to advocate more seriously for the rights of the marginalized and abused in this nation and I have noticed a discernable shift. The activists have retreated to retreat mode to rest, regroup, recover and refocus and set new strategy. I have noticed we are writing, doing art, planting gardens, building homes, adding fencing and cameras and sorting and getting organized in our home lives more.
That is a very critical shift in a country. It means that we, the core activists now have decided to prioritize our own well being over that of others. Activists tend to do this once people are more empowered and start to stand up and fight injustice on their own.
Everyone needs a break. When activists retreat to their foxhole for a period of recovery it just means they are preparing for the next front to advance. It in no way means they have stopped fighting. It means they are sharpening their swords, seeking wisdom and guidance, preparing for the worst and hopeful of change and that they need a rest.
When activists make posts about raising chickens and canning and painting and poetry and funny videos and sit in their hammocks and read it means it is nearly time to take cover because hard times are ahead and they are securing supply chain, fortifying strongholds, and making sure bugs aren’t eating their food and rooting out anyone who does not pass vetting for inner circle work and streamlining budgets, projects and programs to free up resources for the next strategic advance. It may look like resting healing…it is not….it is war.
Now excuse me while I go figure out how bake my banana bread in my broken oven and plant my sour sop seeds I have been saving for years. And then maybe I will swim and sit in my hammock under the breadfruit tree where all sorts of important matters are contemplated before stocking my food jars.
