Two sets of victims in Belize

Over the past week or so I have been following the sad and tragic story of two missing children in Punta Gorda, Belize and the arson and slander of two Americans who ran ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) based upon the belief that these two Americans had fed the missing children to crocodiles at their facility.  It is a horrible situation for everyone involved and has created a wave of accusations, mistrust and even hatred.  There are clear victims on both sides of this story and it seems to me that everyone needs to take a step back and remember this simple fact.

It is very strange to me why it is so hard for human beings to take into account all sides of any particular situation – especially a tragic one.  There are still two missing children in Belize and a couple’s lives have been torn apart due to outrageous accusations.  There has been an outpouring of damaging words and sides seemed to have been drawn.  So much energy is being wasted trying to debate whether or not the Rose’s had the correct credentials, or were even welcomed within the community of Punta Gorda, or members of the community being so appalled that any words said out of pure devastation and pain could be a testament to an entire people.  This negative energy can only cause further devastation to a beautiful town, and possibly country as well as relationships between the people of Belize and foreigners who come from all over the world to experience the beauty of that country and its people.

Acts of violence and destruction happen all over this world in many varying degrees – it never makes sense and those who commit these acts are not civilized – no matter how you want to look at it.  The people who commit them come from all walks of life and from every place on this planet.  Rather than look at the constraints of any border why don’t those among us who find these acts detestable come together and realize that we all have something in common despite our citizenship to a particular country.

The Rose’s were making a positive contribution to Belize and the family and friends of Benjamin and Onelia Rash are experiencing an immense amount of grief and concern.  An outpouring of care, love and help for both sets of victims needs to be the main focus as the investigations for the perpetrators of both crimes continues to take place.