The Belizean Anthem in Creole and English

Belize Anthem in Creole:  (Leela Vernon)
“O, Lan a di free.”

O, Lan a di free bai di Kyaribeeyan See
Wi korij wi plej fi kip yu free
Unu tairant kyaahn stay ya; unu despots hafu goh
Fahn disya plays a demokrasi.
Wi ansesta blod don bles disya grong
Dats wai wi wahn free; nohmoh slayv wi wahn bee.

Koaros:
Git op – aal weh kohn fahn di Baymen klan
Put aan unu aama; difen disya lan
Jraiv bak di enimi; unu enimi hafu goh fahn ya!
Fahn wi lan a di free bai di Kyaribeeyan See.

Naycha don bles – mek yu rich rich rich
Oava mongtin ahn vali weh graas ron gud
Wi ansestaz, di Baymen, schrang ahn brayv
Jraiv bak di enimi; kip dehn weh fahn ya.
Fahn prowd Rio Hondo tu oal Saastoon
Chroo koaral reef, oava bloo lagoon
Kip wach wid di dehn aynjel, di staarz ahn moon
Kaa freedom wahn kohn sotay tumaaro noon.

(Ripeet Koaros)

Belize Anthem in English

O, Land of the free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty
No tyrants here linger, despot must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hollows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression’s rod
By the might of truth and the grace of God.
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

Chorus:
Arise! Ye sons of the Baymen’s clan,
Put on your armors, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants let despots flee-
Land of the free by the Carib Sea!

Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O’er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invaders; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes to-morrow’s noon.

Chorus

Purchase your copy of Mangrove Roots Chronicles here

Hardcover, Soft Cover and  eBook available. Click image to buy book.

This is a new phase for me as I venture to market this book.  As far as I am concerned, I would like everyone to get a copy, and particularly those whose lives seem to parallel mine in myriad ways.  I am so grateful for e-books during these times.  E-books makes it possible for many to purchase a copy without feeling too much of a pinch on your budget.  Please feel free to make comments and give feedback.  I hope you enjoy it.

Volume II is scheduled for publishing in December 2012. Join me in as my journey continues into adulthood and encounter situations that made a significant impression in my life.  High school was my first  milestone completed.  But without family members or close associates to help me with making decisions for my future, where do I go?  The struggle continues as this family sage forges through serene and humble times and heroically march into the years of the nationalistic movement with unfettered zeal.  A time when patriotism and a love for the country of Belize country is born. Get a birds-eye view of repetitive generational cycles at work in the life of this African decent family. Enjoy the memories of time gone by, and learn of the changing cultures and traditions that were forged with this nation. 

The upcoming volume delves into personal situations as the protagonist sought to create a life for herself and small children.  (To be continued)

Update - Availability of Volume I

Mangrove Roots Chronicles - Volume I Now Available

 

CLICK HERE

With a sense of fulfillment I am happy to announce that Mangrove Roots Chronicles is now available in three forms:  Hard Cover $29.99  -  Laminated Paper Back $19.99 -  eBook  $3.99

FROM THE AUTHOR - WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK

FROM THE AUTHOR

My intention in writing this book is to share my experience of life in Belize, as well as enlighten readers about the country. That part was a bit tricky, because I had to include informational text and keep my audience connected to the story.  I discussed the climate, the physical geographical aspects of the country, the different people (Mayans, African Creoles, Garinagus, Indians, Metizos, etc.), and interactions with the different customs and traditions.  I wrote about life in Pomona Valley, Dangriga where I lived since I was born;  my family's journey to Corozal, then moving to Hattieville soon after it was built.  I couldn't help but remember the Hattieville ghost, the snakes that seemed to be everywhere, and life in that village for my family.  My journey brought me and my family to central Belize City at a young age, and later on to Yarborough.  I inserted my story by telling of personal experiences, invariably expressing my viewpoints to connect the reader with that girl growing up at Yarborough. I related to the readers some of her trials, tribulations and triumphs, as she learned to reach for a higher power for hope, strength and fortitude to keep going when the odds were piled up against her.  I honored many of the people that touched my life by mentioning life encounters with them.  My experience at St. John's primary school, St. Hilda's College, where my educational foundation was laid, was a major part of the journey, and  where I had most difficulty narrating the story, because I felt that in order to connect with my readers, I needed to be honest.  The emergence of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) political group played a major role in my life, in terms of awakening annd enlightment, and I still don't think that I have written everything about that segment of my life.  However, I wind up rewriting most of Part II over the past year, while doing that last edit.  I am now a little nervous about how this book will be received by those people who are close to me.
Love and Light