Sociology

This overview of the state of Garifuna Studies at the beginning of the 21st century is an impressive collection of essays written by Garifuna and non-Garifuna scholars from throughout the region, with a foreword contributed by renowned social anthropologist, Nigel Bolland., the book covers both historic and contemporary issues including oral history, the origins of the Garinagu, accounts by 16th century French colonizers, spirituality, gender relations, cultural identity, aesthetics, musical traditions and the background leading to UNESCO’s 2001 Proclamation of Garifuna Language, dance and music as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. This is the first comprehensive collection of essays on the history and culture of the Garinagu.

In this collection of essays, distinguished economists, conservationists, lawyers, sociologists, and other scholars – all longtime observers of Belize and its people – take stock. In most cases they present, for the first time ever, essays that focus on Belize, a country that is once deceptively uncomplicated yet surprisingly complex. The essays, which reflect on what brought Belize to this point, are eminently readable but provocative and challenging. The authors analyse and evaluate data, politics, laws, and practices from the economic, environmental, societal, and cultural sectors. The essays are a bid for independence -independent thinking, analysis, and evaluation.

This lively collection of Karla Heusner’s weekly newspaper columns highlights issues and events from 2000 to 2003. She uses humour and passion in sharing her personal opinions on social, economic, political and community issues. Her columns spark debate on the streets as she forces us to confront ourselves with our contradictions.

This revised collection of essays focuses on topics of importance to the history and people of Belize, during three centuries of colonialism. It examines the early British settlement, the nature of slavery in Belize and the development of Creole culture, as well as relations between the Maya and the British in the 19th century and systems of labour control after Emancipation, ending with contemporary issues of ethnicity and politics.