Kriol Council Criticizes Cover of New Sapphire Edition of A History of Belize in 13 Chapters,

The National Kriol Council has voiced its disappointment over the cover of the newly released Sapphire Edition of A History of Belize in 13 Chapters, arguing that it does not properly reflect the place of the Kriol people in Belize’s history. In a public statement, the Council said the cover appears to celebrate other ethnic groups while failing to visibly acknowledge the Kriol community, despite what it describes as the community’s foundational role in the country’s development. The Council stressed that its concern is centred on the symbolism of the cover rather than the contents of the book itself. It said that national publications of this nature should present a balanced representation of all Belizeans and added, They will not accept erasure. The criticism comes during Kriol Heritage Month, a time when the history, language and cultural contributions of the Kriol people are being recognised across the country. Responding to the concerns, historian Assad Shoman said the artwork was never intended to exclude or diminish any community. He explained that the cover should be viewed as an artistic interpretation of Belize’s history rather than a comprehensive depiction of every ethnic group represented in the nation.

Asaad Shoman, Author: “Well, I haven’t heard the criticism, so I don’t know. I mean, but the reason for it is to highlight the fact that this is what is colonialism, right? So as I said, we seem to have forgotten that the enemy of Belize was colonialism. People seem to think of independence as something that yes happened but why, what were we fighting against, right? So this is a way, putting this on the cover, is a way of confronting colonialism head on. Number two is to show that colonialism continues because if you look at the flag today it’s the same thing almost, right? They change a few things, they paint things differently, take out one or two others, the Union Jack is not there but the ship is there. The two men, I mean to represent slavery. The ship that represents slavery, that brought in the oppressors and that took out our natural resources, right? So it’s a cover that says, look this is the past, but it’s also the present. Because look at your flag, it’s almost the same, right? So at least to confront people with that idea and to get them thinking, well what has independence really brought? Has it ended colonialism or not? Then that’s the purpose.”

While Shoman has sought to clarify the intention behind the artwork, the National Kriol Council maintains that representation carries considerable significance, particularly in works documenting Belize’s national story. The organisation says it hopes the discussion will encourage greater inclusivity in future historical publications.