The Radisson’s New Year’s Eve Party was held in the Baymen’s Tavern. Elito was providing the entertainment that night with his guitar. And so, after supper we made our way to the tavern.
At first I thought the place looked a little dead for a New Year’s Party. There were a few couples at tables and some people around the bar, but many tables were still empty and maybe half the staff was only busying themselves with listening to the music. We gave Elito a nod when he noticed us but we didn’t want to interrupt his song.
As we went looking for a table we gave each other the uncertain looks. What kind of New Year’s Party is this, anyway?
Our search was interrupted by a warm greeting from a big man with a broad smile. He was sitting in a painted wicker chair at a table for two by the windows.
“Well look, more people are going to spend New Year’s with us, dear. Hello, would you mind joining us?”
I don’t think we could have resisted the invitation if we tried. His voice was holding onto some light traces of a Southern charm, but more importantly you could just tell this was a man that knew how to have a good time.
“My name is Lynn. My date here for tonight is Peggy.” He gestured towards the other chair across from him.
It was only then that I realized there was someone else. Almost hidden away in the sheer size of the wicker chair there was a tiny wisp of a woman. She had the oversized, wrap-around sunglasses covering her eyes, half her nose and most of her forehead.
“Date? I sure hope you’re not expecting too much from me.” Her voice sounded serious and tough. She’d been around and knew how to take care of herself.
She told us then that the two of them had just in fact met themselves. I turned to give Shannon a look. I think our night is about to turn very interesting.
After the introductions, and moving two chairs so as to join them, we settled right in close to our two new friends. Lynn had come down to Belize with his nephew from Texas. They had driven down through Mexico. I don’t remember if we talked much about the trip but I would bet that would have been an interesting road trip. He had been a partner in a restaurant-club and had a few stories about the kitchen and about getting live music for the club. These days he spent his time driving a school bus and helping people looking for work.
And of course, Peggy had a story all to herself. She has been to over 80 countries all around the world and had been working through groups like the Peace Corps and her church. She had dined with Communist Romanians, helped Mother Teresa and even fed manatees right from her hand. Now in her mid-80s, she was living close to the Radisson and working with a group in Belize that provided care to orphaned babies with AIDS. Since it was New Year’s Eve she figured she would have a drink. We were glad she did.
As the night grew darker the noise in the tavern grew higher and higher. The crowd in the tavern did swell up to a full party. At one point early in the night our table did notice two couples come in. One man was very dark, very confident-looking and happy. The other had quite light skin and seemed much more reserved. With the two were to radiant women with what I would describe as very spangly dresses—a lot of glitter and a lot of the wow-factor thrown in for good measure. They took a table in a far corner and kept mostly to themselves.
Near the end of the night I went to find Elito when he was on break in order to thank him for his music and his hospitality over the week. He introduced his wife and we talked a little bit before he had to play for the crowd. But then, before his last song he motioned over to me. He cautiously pointed over to the far table where the two well-dressed couples were sitting.
“Do you know who that is?”
I gave a shrug of the shoulders. What else can an innocent tourist do with such a question?
“That is Dean Barrow. He is the Prime Minister of Belize!”
We had been spending New Year’s Eve with Belize’s first black Prime Minister less than five steps away from us.
“Here is what I want you do to, ok?” Elito brought me in a little closer. “I am going to play one more song. And then I am going to announce to the crowd what a wonderful night it has been. And at that point I will introduce him to the crowd. Everyone will clap. But, I want you then to be first, start a line so that we can all shake his hand.”
Sounded like a good idea to me. Elito played his song and went through his plans as he said. The crowd clapped and I got my cue from Elito. I introduced myself to Mr. Barrow, congratulated him and wished him the best of successes in his work. Lynn, Shannon and Peggy then followed. Lynn and Peggy were really on the ball and had cameras with them. The Prime Minister and his party was gracious enough to have their picture taken with all of us.
The Prime Minister’s party did leave shortly after greeting everyone in the place, and I wondered a little if we hastened their departure. But still, it was a bit of a shock and an amazing night. All I can really say is that when a man with Southern charm invites to sit for a drink and some fun, take him up on the offer. Cheers and thanks, Lynn. You got the party started.
