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 Erwin Jones was brought up in Belize, a Tropical Caribbean Country found in the heart of Central America. As a young Black Belizean Erwin has struggled to survive in a country that was once under British Colonial rule. "Getting a proper education in a country like Belize isn't easy," says Erwin. He believes that after 186 years of Education in Belize the education system is still not preparing young Belizeans to address the needs of the 21st Century. "I can't believe the first school in this country was built in 1816, 186 years ago...that is a really long time, but look at the condition of my people today. Our youths today are graduating as functional illiterates. Many of our youths are not properly prepared to meet the academic or the technological demands of today. They are unable to take their so called acquired knowledge and transform society. Clearly something is wrong with the Education System," says Erwin in a very serious tone.
Erwin is the Son of Alice Mae Burgess and Edward Jones. He is the second eldest of eight children. At the age of five Erwin and his siblings went to live in the City which is 30 mls. from the village he knew as home at that time. Growing up in the city for him was a big challenge. "When my mother took us to find greener pastures in the City it was a big step for her. She didn't have a clue to where and to who she was taking us. For the first 6 months in the City we stayed from house to house. We stayed mostly with friends of my mother. It was hard." Some of Erwin's childhood experiences are reflected in his poem "Den Dayz"
Erwin, like his mother, is a survivor. He is always looking for greener pastures and if he can't find it, he is going to create it. Over the years he has strived to Educate himself in many subjects areas ranging from Etymology to Philosophy and Technology. He also lecutures on Black History....a subject that was never taught within the Education System of Belize. Erwin is a champion he believes in higher learning. "Because of this psuedo education system I've prepared a stringent method to teach me...to teach and educate myself outside of what I was taught within the "Killing Fields" Schools in Belize. I read and study both my Bible and Dictionary. I listen widely and look openly and take in the good I see and hear. I maintain at all times a questioning mind. I feed my faculty of wonder never letting it die. My mind is always busy acquiring information. Today I have no regrets. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER."
Today, Erwin works as a Computer Instructor for one of the Leading Computer Training Institutions in Belize, Worldcom Technologies, situated on Freetown Road. He has recently published his first book "Uprizin" which has 31 poems. His next book "Erwinizm" is schedule to be released in December 2001, if all goes well. Erwin's words of encouragement to his peers..."Reach for a star....one day you'll will stumble on the moon...don't you ever limit yourself. Believe in youself and act upon your beliefs and you will accomplish your dreams." Words of wisdom from a young talented Black Belizean.
Respect Erwin Jones, Respect.
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Uprizin
Erwin's Poems
(Published in his first book)
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