How to help make a country you want to move to better?

Hi Boxergal,

Hate to burst your bubble, but really there is little that we expats can do to change things in most Central and South American nations, unless of course we're billionaire philanthropists.

You've actually got to be careful about even trying, because in some of these countries it is even against the law for foreigners to become involved in any way in the politics of the nation. Here in Brazil for example, you can't vote, join any political parties, attend political functions, support or criticize any party or politician publicly or you can go to jail and following that get deported.

So, check out the local laws in Belize about expats and the political system before you do anything.

Cheers,
William James Woodward, EB Experts Team

Oh sorry, didn't mean politically.  I realize we can't vote, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of supporting our local stores, people, keeping our houses clean....much more basic approach, if there is one, perhaps not.

Hi Boxergal
Dr Al may be right in many of his assertions. I doubt it is as bad as he says. The Expats need to get involved in communities every which way they can. Initially there will be skepticism ,suspicion (may be not hostility). Talk with law enforcement officials ,help them if you can,be generous with local schools (without developing an entitlement community) forgiving some mis givings ,not expecting much in return for your helping hand .
Keep doing all the above and eventually people may realize you are sincere.  US has influenced many countries in the world mostly in a positive way. Some times She get more criticisms in return . But that is ok . There is a saying in Kerala (where I grew up)  people throw stones only on Mango trees that are fully loaded.
What have we got to lose by doing good things , actually nothing.
The living expenses ,utility etc are high depending on one,s life style. we have no refinery - so gas is high (part of it may be Taxes). I do not know why the airfare is high  (same reason ?). Goods and services are costly . Belize is a small country with relatively small population. No Industry (other than Agriculture ) . Not enough professionals.
The Government of course mirror the country (nothing bad intended). We expats can help a lot without patronizing the ordinary folks and staying in the background. Openly criticizing or putting down people for what ever reason is not a winning strategy. The old saying " you can catch more flies with sugar (or is it honey)" is so true.

Sorry I have to disagree with Mr Woodward from Brazil. Having plenty of money to give away or start an industry may be good ,but not everything. Giving stuff free promote an entitlement society and eventually ruin them.
For example you may be able to tell your neighbors  brushing the teeth is important and it prevents some diseases.
You can show somebody how to farm. How to make compost , give them marketing ideas, teach english ,May be you want to talk about problems with alcohol (Alcoholism ,depression and suicide are very common in Belize). May be the advantages of limiting the number of children in the family. Advantage of education. You can always be an example and be the change you wish to see happen in the world.

Well Boxergal, I'm in Hopkins right now and my wife and love this smaller village because we just spent a week in Placencia that was very nice but a little crowded and property is way over priced! As far as the country is as a whole you can take the good with the bad and the bad with the good.

Ask anyone in Cayo to name one expat who has improved the lot of local Belizians and I am sure that 9 times out of 10 the name of Nurse Juan will come up. An English nurse who arrived imn Belize nearly fifty years ago, she married a local farmer and has raised a Family of 7 Children.
She  saw a dire need for medical help  in this then very poor area, and  she set about doing something about it. She got a local store to let her use the vacant leanto building in Soccutz as a first aid clinic for the local population. Since then 30 years (+ or - a couple) have elapsed and the Good shepherd Clinic is  the result. A beautiful campus, that with the help of an assortment of charities American, Canadian and British and, when they were still in Situ the British forces. The draw back to this is now she should be able to retire and enjoy some peace without worrying about all and sundry there is no one willing to take on this work, several persons and charities have stated the desire to take over untill they find out just how much work and responsibilty the clinic takes. One private medical Company were interested but when they realised they could not just make it into  for profit clinic lost interest very fast..
If anyone out there With medical qualifications and experience is interested in Working long  long hours for a pittance and only the occaisional  gratitude of the community I will put you in contact with her.
So Yes you can improve life for the community not with pots of cash but with love and determination.
For the moderator this is not a job add .

hello Boxergal
  We  too  are from the Philadelphia  area  ( We  live in  Florida now)  I  think it  may be best that when  we  get to Belize  is  just  to be  sociable and  just  enjoy the people around you....be  kind  and  pay it  forward.  I  like  the  rule  of  sowing and reaping ..  with that  just  enjoy  every day life..  cause  if you  look for issues  you  will find  them

there is a lot of racism based on skin color in Belize.   dark vs brown and brown vs white and all shades in - between.  There are other areas in the Carribean where skin color is seldom an issue.

The only way that I believe it is possible to make a difference in Belize is to help a child through school.  Most of the schools are religious and costly.    there are many people who have only a third grade education in Belize, so they have poor reading skills in any language, thus functionally illiterate. 

We can vote in local elections if we live here long enough and get our permanent resident status.   The politics here are beyond the scope of expats and are NOT like those in the USA. 

The Belizeans do not want advice of any sort.    They are tired of ex-pats & gringos telling them how to do things.
I also believe that I can make a positive difference where ever I am if I make small actions.   I can pay the woman who cleans my house a living wage instead of the typical $2.00 an hour that women and laborers earn here.