Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide

by Alan Twigg

Tiny, island-dotted Belize, perched on the Caribbean, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala, is a fascinating blend of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, English, East Indian, Mennonite, Lebanese and Chinese cultures. With its colonial background (English remains the official language) and a history of fending off its Latin neighbours, Belize has emerged as a relatively stable democracy that is as much Caribbean as it is Central American.

In Understanding Belize , Alan Twigg tells the story of the country, from its bizarre early days as a haven for pirates, through its colonial period as British Honduras, to its new status as an ecotourism mecca and a hotspot for Mayan archaeology. This lively history includes original photos, a comprehensive timeline and a feature on nation founder George Price, the longest serving democratically elected leader in history.

Understanding Belize is an eye-opening alternative to the glossy tourist brochures. Lobster-and-orchid-rich Belize looks great from a hammock on Ambergris Caye, the place that inspired Madonna's song "La Isla Bonita," but don't go buying that seaside lot until you learn more about this beautiful--but problematic--paradise from the author of A Concise History for Travellers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Michael Huang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Belize is an small, English-speaking country tucked in a group of former Spanish colonies. It boasts a barrier reef second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. If you ever want to visit Belize, this book might be a good addition to your reading stack. It’s not the most well written, but there aren’t any competitors. In it you’ll learn:

* One of Columbus’s navigators Pinzón “discovered” the place. And it later became settlement for Mahogany loggers.
* While fighting in the West Indies with their arch rival Spain, Britain actively encourages citizens there to annoy the Spaniard. The early settlers contain pirates too. Spain tried to invade Belize but 1500 soldiers somehow got repelled by 250 machete wielding loggers.
* Britain didn’t really care about Belize (known as British Honduras back then) and had incoherent policy there. It was run from Jamaica until 1862 when it became a crown colony.
* From 1961 to 1981, the separation from Britain took a while too in incremental steps: Changing name to Belize, joining UN, finally having a new constitution.
* Racially, Belize is diverse. There are the early European settlers, slaves traded from Africa, the Creoles: decedents from racial mixes of whites and their slaves; Mestizos (mixed blood decedents of Mexico and Maya); and the Garinagu (decedents of runaways slaves from St. Vincent).

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting historical read about Belize. It was published in 2006 so any developments from the last decade are not addressed. Nonetheless, a chronological history including, but not limited to, the Maya, piracy, colonization, the Garifuna, sovereignty, and independence, is provided in seventeen chapters. If traveling to Belize for the first time, reading this book will provide one with a basic understanding of Belize's history, culture, and customs.

[Donovan Mattole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I visit another country I want to get beyond the travel book and understand the culture and history and this book did that for me for Belize. I actually read it on catamaran sailing in Belize and understanding this history was perfect! Highly recommend! Great overview of history, including Maya, as well as the current political situation.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly dull, very opinionated, and highly detailed history of Belize. The author emphasizes the recent political history with a blow-by-blow account of domestic and foreign affairs in Belize from 1990-2006.

[spike marlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonably good survey of Belize’s history. Sometimes poorly written, and at other times it can be humorous. Published in 2006, anything that has occurred since will not be in the book. Perhaps it needs a second edition.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative however I was disappointed that Twigg did not hardly touch on the subject of the sex trade industry in Belize which is a big problem. He mentioned it in one sentence out of the whole book and his wording in describing it made it seem like it is no big deal when in fact it is. Young children are prostituting themselves out and tourists go to Belize just for the sex tourism. It is a topic that should have been discussed and wasn't.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for visitors to Belize. It covers the history of Belize from when it was 'discovered' to contemporary times. But better than just describing historic events, the author ensures to point out how the history of the country has shaped its current people and cultures. Plus it has some great old photos!

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this until I was visiting Belize, but I'm glad I did. It was brief and full of info. I was able to run some of the ideas by locals for some interesting dialogue. I don't know that it's better than a guide book, because I still like to know where to stay, what to do and what to eat. This te,t gave a much appreciated cultural awareness.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some ladies from my church went to Belize to do some projects. It was known as British Honduras and they speak English. Known for tourist sites the country also has a poor section that many people need help.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

direct and comprehensive