Kelly King, aged 18, Belize

I wake up most mornings to be immediately energized by the warm rays of the sun peaking in through the cracks in my blinds and the comforting blow of the Caribbean sea breeze. What I like most about living in Belize is not only the warmth and cheerfulness of the weather but also, the friendliness of my Belizean people.

Sadly, the attitude in the eight o clock traffic isn’t as cheerful as there are just too many cars in Belize, nowadays. Fortunately, the frustration of having to endure traffic is reduced as I’m bound to meet up with friends, family members or even, a “foreigna” all of whom will brighten the day with a “shout out” or a “hail.” Although being from a small country can at times be a disadvantage, it also has it comforts such as always running into familiar faces or knowing that if one needs help, just wait another five minutes and someone you know will most certainly be passing by to lend a hand.

As I make my way to school I look around to find pedestrians walking, talking or stopping to have a word with a friend or colleague. Likewise, my junior college is bustling with teenagers laughing, talking and, come on, in true Belizean style…gossiping. As lunchtime swings around the aroma of rice and beans and stew chicken fills my surroundings and as much as I claim to be tired of it I still have to fight the urge to eat it. Alike my bedroom, the classrooms and hallways of Belize’s oldest tertiary level institution is filled with the warmth of the Caribbean sun and sea breeze. I enjoy learning in this atmosphere.

One of the reasons Belize has this beautiful care free and “live for today attitude” is because of our democratic type of governance and our membership in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth provides a bond with our sister Caribbean states which helps blend us into fun loving, caring people. The Commonwealth also provides us with a feeling of safety, a bigger brother looking over us. Additionally, as a student, it represents a holiday!

Belize has been apart of the Commonwealth since 1981. Its benefits lie in free trade, access to foreign assistance, and the promotion of equality and freedom for all. As a part of the Commonwealth we aim to fight diseases, poverty and racism. Personally, living in a Commonwealth nation is having a sense of being a part of a bigger whole, a sense of belonging to a family…the Commonwealth family.

Our vivacious home is precious to us all and we try to put our best attitude into making Belize a better place. We all fight for our rights, enjoy our freedom and live as one, equally. This freedom and equality would not be possible without the Commonwealth backbone that we have.