The 'ignorant fat gringo' comment was rude and unfortunate. I apologise, knowing that there are many gringos who have become good Belizeans. Some of my best friends are gringos.

However, I'll stand by the remainder of what I've said. The national symbols of any nation are not to be trifled with. Such action shows disrespect for the people of that nation. If there are popularly supported suggestions for change, then let any such change reflect the highest ideals of a majority of the people.

To mock the accepted symbols of nationhood is to mock the people of that nation. And let me assure you that I am not the only person who has a problem with this.