Remarks and applauds to Krem Sunday Review

I have been following up on the Krem Sunday Review hosted by Yaya Marin-Coleman aka “the agitator” and Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn aka the “whip” for some weeks now.  From what I can gather, Yaya is a down to earth person and with a powerful mind-set that makes her critical of real and at times perceived injustice. Pulu has an extensive knowledge and experience of politics and the behind the scenes stories. The outspokenness may certainly rub off the wrong way with some people, but if one observes closely the Sunday Review has the interest of the Belizean masses at heart.

Niall Gillett (Ex-Co-Host) and Yaya-Marin Coleman Krem Sunday Review

Pulu Lightburn, Krem Sunday Review

I was a bit astounded and much thrilled by Yaya undaunted defiance to question her past co-host Niall Gillett on the most recent show (Oct 28, 2012). Gillett was obviously dancing around her questions. At one point, Gillett was asked to estimate what percentage of the attendants at the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation was in a position to critically contribute to the discussion. His response was that he was not able to say but he was able to brag about how many people the company had managed to bring out.

Now, like Yaya, I believe this is an important point. This was also the point raised by SATIIM regarding the necessity for the Maya people to have a thorough understanding of the EIA. This is not to suggest that the Maya people are not capable of thinking. No, no, the question was rather to highlight the fact that critical thinking especially concerning an EIA requires a certain level of training and exposure.

In an introductory course at the University of Belize (UB), it became obvious that an EIA is of outmost importance but can be conceptually/scientifically complex. There are several environmental programs at our national university. It’s more than that; the only graduate program at UB is a master’s in Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Development. Therefore, I would like to encourage the University (faculty and students) to play a more prominent role in discussing and debating issues of national interest.

Our University needs to do more to make students realize that they are agents of change and leaders of development. We need to do away with the idea that one should pursue higher education simply to increase ones salary – a remark I have heard every so often by students. In place of this philosophy, we must embrace education with a perspective driven by change, equality, and action for the betterment of society.

I strongly believe that most people are not in the best positioned to make a really thorough and critical review of the EIA. This is a reality which capitalists exploit to their benefit. They make us feel that it is us that need them. We need jobs. We need to work for someone. Living by the fruits of mother earth is not the way to live. You must seek to ‘progress’ – to earn more and buy more, is the overriding philosophy of the day. It is the indigenous worldview which is consistently looked down upon by “Them” and even by some of “Us”.

But back to the appraisal, the Sunday Review is a show which I encourage Belizeans to tune in on. Given the way things work in Belize, we will sooner or later see other shows like these popping up. However, the true value of a news review is to incorporate as many viewpoints, seek to rigorously validate the information in the media and to keep it real.

The Sunday Review is taking shape as the media personage that is unafraid to think outside the box and dares to keep characters on their toes. Applauses!

Amandala Online