Why I Started to Write

All my life most of my major decisions have been more instinctive than deliberative. While, like everyone else, I go through a process of reasoning, my final decisions are most often based on my visceral instincts. My instincts talk to me and I test the stuff it churns up against a process of reasoning. Many times, even if reasoning says don’t do it, I do it anyway. I’ve learnt to trust my instincts.


I’ve always liked writing. Sometime around October of 2006 this gnawing, nagging urge to write came up from my gut. It was sudden and strong. I didn’t ignore it, but sort of kept it a little to the back of my mind. I let it sit for a couple of days. It didn’t go away. I remember mentioning it on a number of occasions to Val. But we didn’t really discuss it then. I think I let the idea stew for about two weeks. I really did not ask myself why this urge came over me to write. From the moment it came, I knew I was going to have to do it.


After doing a couple installments of the column I realized the urge came a mixture of things. First, I was suffocating in some of that stuff that passes for journalism in Belize. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t breathe properly. Second, writing helps me to clarify and crystallize my own thoughts and hone my reasoning on particular issues. I understand that there are different theories floating out there about why I am doing the column and speculation about who is paying me to do it. Most times, I don’t know which way I am going to come down on an issue. I reason it out and then make a conclusion or judgment. Third, against the backdrop of a deeply cynical electorate, I sensed that people wanted to hear the views and opinions of their leaders. Not just giving an interview during a scandal or a crisis, but arguing, reasoning, debating for the benefit of the public. Fourth, serious writing forces a great deal of time with yourself, looking inwardly. It helps you to discover or rediscover yourself. Few if any can believe that I don’t have a political agenda with my column. I am in politics, but, hell, I just enjoy writing the column.