A daunting task awaits

Flooded streets on the city's south side.

Whether it is Darrel Bradley leading a returning UDP slate or a fresh group of PUP politicians that eventually lands in City Hall next year (2012); the task will be a daunting one.

Belize City is undoubtedly the epicenter of a terrible crime wave, the likes of which we have never seen before and which, by the grace of God, will NOT be the inheritance of the next generation.

City infrastructure are under severe strain; citizens are living in deplorable conditions; businesses are feeling the economic pinch and life as we once enjoyed it in the old capital is but a memory, splashed upon the pages of time less than a generation past.

I watched in dismay tonight as my colleagues at Channel 7, chronicled the plight of a single mother, an asthmatic, living in conditions no human being should be subjected to.

With ankle deep water as her flooring, bed perched precariously on planks above feted mud and grime, a boa constrictor in the roof, swarms of insects for companion at night and testimony of her children afraid to sleep in their bed, the sad tale as told tonight by this lady is sadly the norm not only for her; but many others. 

The suffering, most times in silence, is deep.  The suffering is terrible. The suffering is heartbreaking.

Today, one of the major political parties launched their campaign leading up to the next municipal elections.  The other major political party will soon follow suit.

So what will they come to the poor, suffering, electorate with? 

What will they offer people like the single mother whose story on the news tonight was a stinging indictment of the entire community? 

Will the going get good for the election season and then a return to the dark days of dispair after the 'X' is cast and the ballots counted?

No doubt it is a daunting task that awaits whoever lands in City Hall next February. But let is bear in mind that the process of living is a daily undertaking.

And while for most of us, the dawn of a new day presents fresh opportunities for us to eke out an existence, for many there is no dawn; because they can't awake from the dream turned nightmare. 

Try as they may, they hear the beaconing call to rise and shine; but alas the burden of the terrible circumstances visited on them is truly a daunting task indeed.

What do you think?