Carolyn Trench-Sandiford-Deputy Party Leader
There are times when the demands of life take you away from some of the tasks you meticulously list and set out to do, whether it being daily, weekly, monthly, or simply a singular activity. And then there are times when something occurs that reminds you in a profound and subtle way of the importance of completing that task.
This played out for me today when I heard of the passing of Jose "Joe' Erales. Yes, I was saddened by the news, perhaps even more so, as the last time we spoke, it was about the Order of Distinguished Services Plaque that is to be positioned in a place of honour at Independence Hall.
Joe was a member of the Order of Distinguished Services, the highest honour to be awarded in our Party. He was very excited about the plaque, not so much because his name was already carved out on a metallic plate, but because it was to salute those persons who have displayed unselfish, consistent and loyal commitment and dedication to the Party over time, and who have earned their place as a member of the Order. For like Joe, they were the ones who kept the revolution going despite all odds, or any obstacle that was placed before them, because they believed in the People's United Party, and what it stands for. Joe knew them all.
While I have known Joe for many years–who do not know Joe Erales, PUP loyalist, stalwart, soldier, historian, Justice of the Peace–my conversations with him were not as many as I would have wished, but when they took place, they were uplifting and enriching, besides being educational, instructive and insightful. With Joe, there was always so much to learn and so little time to spend together to do it.
Consequently, much of our discussions would occur when he came by Independence Hall for meetings, or simply for a visit to make sure his beloved Party was functioning, or during the election phases. In fact, I could almost see him in front of me as a fixture at Independence Hall during the 2009 municipal elections, providing words of support and guidance. He knew that was perhaps one of the toughest periods of my tenure as Chairman.
During our encounters, he would regale me with the early days of the PUP, and the names and contributions of the people who were instrumental in forwarding the revolution, and the places he had travelled in his quest of nationalizing the philosophy of the party. His anecdotal accounts and experiences were vivid and compelling. It was as if you were there. And you heard it only once, so listening was crucial.
Sometimes it was about his stance besides the Rt. Hon. George Price in the fight against the British, the emotions of seeing the Belize flag being raised for the first time, or the many strategies that were used to win elections. There seem to be no end to what he had to say.
Of course, the conversations always ended with reference to my father, Elkin, and his role and participation in the party. These were truly special to me, as I was a child when my father was an active member of the party, so it was always a treat to hear of his involvement, the occurrences on the campaign trails, the glory of election wins and the pain and heartbreak of losing.
Joe was well researched and a library all by himself. While I know that the very nature of life will bring many other losses to our Party, I have no doubt that Joe will be one of those who will always be remembered, and whose spirit will always reside with us at Independence Hall, to urge us on in continuing the revolution to create the NEW BELIZE, which will bring to all Belizeans a better life and a just share of the national wealth.
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Source: The Belize Times
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