My early exposure to books and literature affected my sense of country, community and culture very positively because the books I read taught me how to write about my country and community as other writers wrote about theirs. As I grew up, my family passed their love of Belize on to my sisters, brothers and me. I knew even as a young girl that I was going to write for the country of Belize.

          — Zee Edgell, Bombay Interview

Zee Edgell was born Zelma Inez Tucker in Belize City on October 21, 1940. She later attended Regent Street Polytechnic and then continued her studies at the University of the West Indies.

After working as a schoolteacher and newspaper editor, she became the Director of the Belizean Administration’s Department of Women’s Affairs and has been an educational consultant since 1990.  She has worked as a journalist in Jamaica and Belize as well as teaching in Belize and working for various development organizations in Africa and Asia.  More recently she has been an associate professor at Kent State University, in the United States.

Beka Lamb (1982), her first novel and the first Belizean work of fiction to attract international notice, parallels the growth to maturity and independence of its female protagonist with the emergence and consolidation of Belize’s sense of national identity. Like its predecessor, Edgell’s second novel, In Times Like These (1991), conflates personal and national themes in its account of a well-educated Belizean woman’s political involvements upon returning to her native country on the eve of Independence.

She was the first Belizean novelist to win the 1982 Fawcett Society Book Prize and gain international recognition (Bromley 10). The Fawcett Society is an Organization based out of London that strives for equal opportunities for women worldwide. Its aim is to benefit and improve women’s lives through changes in society and policies. Edgell also won the Canute Broadherst Prize for her short story “My Uncle Theophilus” in 1999. She is an internationally recognized author. Some of works have been translated into Spanish, Dutch and German.

As the smoke of the magnificent fireworks dissipated at midnight on the Eve of Independence, many felt a swell of patriotic pride. The entire country celebrated and expressed their “Belizean Pride” in different ways; we parade, we decorate, and we dance. But a trio of Belizeans decided to do something unique this year. Designer Rebecca Stirm, history student Cherisse Halsall, and photographer Monica Gallardo partnered to reveal the stories of four outstanding Belizean Historical figures – through fashion.

“Well, it all began when I had the privilege of viewing Stirm’s mini collection in her studio earlier this month; I found myself reflecting on the understated elegance and graceful detailing of the pieces,” commented Cherisse Halsall. “They evoked within me thoughts of old colonial Belize with its wooden mansion’s and red bricked cathedrals. Through conversations between myself, Stirm, and Photographer Monica Gallardo, we were able to come up with a plan for photographing the mini-collection as a ‘Fashion Tribute to Our History’.”

A visit to the Belize national archives department allowed Cherisse the discovery of four Belizean ‘Pathfinders’ – Women of yesteryear who are worthy of recognition and honor for their hard work and dedication to the nation: Vivian Seay, Dr. Bernice Hulse, Gwendolyn Lizarraga, and Sadie Vernon.

On the Sunday morning following the festivities and celebrations of our country’s thirty-first birthday Rebecca, Cherisse and Monica visited four historical locations to photograph the pieces.

‘Vivian’, a white lace and satin day dress worn by model Chloe Daly

“We photographed ‘Vivian’, a white lace and satin day dress worn by model Chloe Daly, at the first Protestant Church building to be erected in Central America – The St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City,” commented Cherisse.

Belizean ‘Pathfinder’ Vivian Seay was educated in the Anglican church school, and went on to become the second female citizen of British Honduras to be named Member of the British Empire. This honor was granted due to her diligent work as a nurse, her volunteer service in the wake of hurricane Hattie, and her position as head of the Black Cross nurses.

‘Bernice’, a formal white lace dress with long sleeves – worn by Naomi Stirm

“We chose to photograph ‘Bernice’, a formal white lace dress with long sleeves – worn by Naomi Stirm, in the ruins of the old Belize City Hospital.”

Belizean medical ‘Pathfinder’ Doctor Bernice Hulse was the first female Belizean to receive a medical degree, and worked tirelessly for the eradication of tuberculosis in our country through the launching of a country wide vaccination campaign. She is also distinguishable as a brave Belizean veteran of World War II where she treated wounded soldiers as a resident at an emergency medical hospital in the United Kingdom.

‘Gwendolyn’ a straight cut grey pearl lace mini-dress – worn by model Judy Hoare

“Our team continued that afternoon in the heart of the old capitol photographing ‘Gwendolyn’, a straight cut grey pearl lace mini-dress with pearl detailing and delicately puffed sleeves.”

Photographs of this dress worn by Model Judy Hoare, were taken at the Belize City Court House – a symbol of government in our country. Belizean “Pathfinder” Gwendolyn Lizarraga earned the distinction of becoming the first Belizean woman to be named a Member of the British Empire as well as the first woman elected to the national assembly. She was most vocal about women acquiring their own house lots (an important feat prior to 1954 when only property owners were allowed to vote).

“Sadie”, a grey and white, lace and linen day dress – worn by model Krista Cruz

“We ended the day on Belize City’s iconic swing bridge photographing Krista Cruz wearing “Sadie”, a grey and white, lace and linen day dress with tiny pearl buttons and lace detailing around the collar.”

Belizean ‘Pathfinder’ Sadie Vernon graduated with a master’s degree from the Earlham school of Religion at Earlham College and became the first native executive secretary of the Christian church council. She is remembered fondly for coping with the needs of human suffering caused by Hurricane Hattie. In the aftermath of the disaster, she spent her days distributing clothing, food, and other goods.

The three young ladies inspired to do this tribute and mentioned that as young women in Belize, launching out in their careers and interests, are inspired by these women and grateful that they can enjoy and benefit from all they gave to make Belize what it is today.

Historical Research – Cherisse Halsall. Photography- Monica Gallardo. Fashion Design/Styling- Rebecca Stirm. Models – Chole Daly, Naomi Stirm, Judy Hoare, and Krista Cruz.

Source:  Ambergris Today