It was a rather unfortunate turn of events that pushed Vernon and his wife, both American citizens, to move to Belize in 2001. But it was never a decision that they regretted. In fact, the couple put their time, knowledge and resources into helping others build a better life for themselves. First with inmates at the Belize Central prison and today with blind, unemployed young people in Panama. Here is his story.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia and currently live on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama in Cuidad de Saber and in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. I began my career in the art of jewelry fifty years ago when I started coin piercing and making simple earrings, necklaces and bracelets. My interest grew as I read and studied every book on jewelry design, hand fabrication and metal smithing that I could find in the local library. My life's work has revolved around jewelry design and the production of wearable pieces of art. I have been privileged to win numerous national and international awards, twice receiving recognition from the International Pearl Design Competition in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, I have been privileged to teach jewelry design and the art of goldsmithing to over thirty apprentices, 140 inmates in the Belize Central prison, numerous students in vocational training schools and universities and many aspiring designers.
You first moved abroad in 2001. What prompted this move? Why not volunteer in your home country?
My wife and I moved to Belize in 2001. The move followed a car accident I was involved in several years before. The accident left me in considerable physical and mental pain and rendered me incapable of productive work. Finally I found a doctor who correctly identified the cause of my incapacitating pain and a surgery restored me to good health. For almost four years I had sat in my chair, in pain, staring out the window. Once I recovered, I knew I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to helping others. I decided that I wanted to teach and share all I had learned. And, I wanted to donate my considerable inventory of tools and equipment to a university in the USA. I was surprised to learn that I had too much for any one school to take. I was then fortunate to find a project in Belize (the Center for Employment Training) which happily accepted my donation and invited me to teach.
How did you decide to move to Belize?
Actually, Belize was not my first choice. I had originally planned to start a jewelry training school in St. Thomas, USVI. But, that fell through at the last minute after I had sold my homes in the USA, packed my belongings and was ready to move. My wife and I had been planning the school in St. Thomas under the auspices of the US Episcopal Church in conjunction with the Diocese of the Virgin Islands. When I contacted the National Church Office and explained what had happened, they suggested I contact the bishop in Belize. I contacted Bishop Romero, he was thrilled with the idea, invited us to come and we left for Belize a week after we had planned to go to St.Thomas.
How was that experience for you?
Our twelve year experience living in Belize was awesome and overwhelming and joyful and heartbreaking - filled with incredible accomplishments and more than a few setbacks. Adjusting to the culture was quite challenging. On the surface, Belize appeared very ‘American' - almost everyone spoke English and as a former British colony (British Honduras) things seemed very familiar. But we quickly discovered, cultural differences were profound. Although people were friendly they kept their distance. We later realized that there was a deep mistrust of foreigners, especially folks from the US. Many Belizeans had endured years of what they felt was exploitation so most were skeptical of our intentions. It took several years of hard work and allowing people the opportunity to know us before we were accepted. I learned a very important life lesson in Belize summed up in this saying: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”
What were the most difficult things about life in Belize?
The most difficult things about living in Belize were the lack of infrastructure, widespread corruption and the political process in general. Belize was only 20 years old when we arrived having gained its independence in 1981. It was a struggling young nation trying to get its feet firmly on the ground with all the ensuing problems that process entailed.
What was your favorite thing about Belize?
My favorite things about Belize were the people and the opportunities that were available once people trusted me. I was able to teach for several years in the vocational school. Then I had the chance to build and equip a jewelry design and repair facility in the National prison which provided over 140 men with marketable skills. This program had the highest success rate of any program at the prison. And then in 2006, my wife and I were able to spearhead the building of a state of the art primary school in the middle of a swamp, literally no dry land when we began construction. The school, Holy Cross Anglican, was built under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and the Anglican Diocese of Belize with the help of hundreds of volunteers from the US and Canada. Currently the school educates almost 500 disadvantaged children every year. I could never have done these things in the USA. Belize was open and receptive to the dreams this crazy Gringo had and for this, I will be forever grateful.
How did you decide to move to Panama?
After living in Belize for twelve years and spending seven years building and overseeing the primary school, my wife and I felt it was time for the school to stand on its own two feet. We wanted the school to truly be a Belizean undertaking and realize that would not happen as long as we were there. So we started considering where our next adventure might be. At that time, I heard from a fellow artist I had known in Virginia. He was originally from Panama and was being honored by the Government for his outstanding contributions to the arts. He invited me to attend the ceremony and spend some time in Panama. My wife and I quickly realized that Panama was a beautiful country with much to offer. And through my friend, I met several folks in the Government and others involved in education all of whom encouraged me to move to Panama and share my knowledge.
How did you decide to open your jeweler's school in Panama?
We moved to Panama in 2013 and took a long overdue vacation. But after a year of relaxing and traveling around, I was ready to get back to work. I had missed working with precious metals, gem stones and designing jewelry. And, more than creating beautiful pieces, I wanted to teach and pass along my knowledge. Initially I set up a small workshop in my home but quickly outgrew the space. A good friend approached me with an idea he had to open MakerSpace Panama and I quickly said, ‘Yes!' My dream jewelers' school and workshop began to take shape.
How important is this activity to you?
My jewelry school and workshop is incredibly important to me. At the age of 72, I have a real reason to keep pushing myself and the incredible opportunity for new adventures like teaching the blind how to make jewelry and, being able to donate the tools and equipment for a jewelry school at the University of Panama and, volunteering to train the professors who teach the students there. Opening my state of the art private jewelry school and manufacturing facility allows me to teach professionals and amateurs as well as to create jobs for locals. I am merely a volunteer at my jewelry school happily enabling local men and women to earn a living through my efforts.
What does expatriation mean to you?
Expatriation is defined as the departure from the nation of one's birth for permanent or prolonged residence in another nation. My departure from the United States twenty years ago and my decision to live those years in Belize and now Panama has enlarged, expanded and incredibly enriched my view of the world. My understanding and appreciation of the diversity of peoples and cultures has allowed me to be a citizen of the world not just a resident of a city in Virginia.
You have volunteered and helped out during your whole life abroad. Looking back on these 19 years, what is the one lesson you will keep with you and what is your favorite memory?
The most important lesson I have learned over these past 20 years is that the impossible is not always impossible.
My favorite memory of Belize, and there are many, but this one stands out. My memory is Lester who was, in 2006, a young, illegal alien in Belize starting elementary school at Holy Cross. I watched him grow and flourish and graduate and attend high school and get his Belizean citizenship. I celebrated with him as he entered Medical school and we reminisced about his childhood growing up in a one room shack in the swamp adjacent to the school I started. His memory warms my heart and makes all the blood, sweat and tears absolutely worthwhile.
