Kirwin Ramirez: A Community Hero

Page 9

By ALINE HABIB

Growing up on the streets of Seine Bight, 27 yearold Kirwin had a challenging start. As a child, he was bullied by his peers, which caused low self-esteem, frustration and anger. He would often become embroiled in fights and was walking dangerously on a path of self-destruction. He often felt worthless, depressed, and even contemplated suicide.

But music became his saving grace. He discovered his passion at a very young age. He started free-styling and recording his songs when he was only 11. Music allowed him to channel his anger and confusion into something meaningful and beautiful. This self-taught musician learned how to play guitar, drums and the keyboard as a form of self-expression and healing. In his youth, he joined a band called, "Fallen Star" and performed at special events and parties. Music became everything to him; it saved his life.

At the age of 17, having been through many difficult times, Kirwin became a believer of God. He started praying and studying the Bible, and with His help, turned his life around. The guidance of his loving mother and his newfound spirituality helped him find strength and courage to face these obstacles and to challenge himself into making better choices for his future.

Much of his artistic work is the fruit of his spiritual awakenings. Over the years, and as his faith grew, his musical style evolved. He started creating his own video clips with family and friends. He even attracted and inspired followers of all ages from his village and the wider peninsula alike, who embrace his creative spirit and message for positive change. His fan following also extends to other parts of Belize, and he says he would love to reach out to an international audience.

His honest and poignant lyrics speak to all of us as a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, bringing us closer together as he talks about the pain, the love and the heartbreaks to which many of us can relate. His style of music is influenced by local and international reggae and rap artists.

Kirwin Ramirez of Seine Bight Village says he overcame the early obstacles of his life through his passion for music, faith in God and his community volunteer work.

In his song ‘Giving up is not an option’, he sends a message of hope saying that no matter how difficult things may become, to look inside yourself and to God for strength. His powerful lyrics stem from his personal experiences, his struggles, and things he observes in the world, such as injustice and racism.

In addition to his thriving music career, he is an active community player. Wherever there is change, Kirwin is there. He hosts a youth group every Friday evening at his church that sometimes gathers up to one hundred kids. He provides them a safe space for worship and other community activities. He’s also been coaching three generations of football (soccer) players, some of which have become semi-professional. He has been very active in the Seine Bight girls’ running club, spearheaded by Wanda Stakutis (who has also been heavily involved in many community projects, such as the opening of the new library). The children Kirwin mentors are growing to become independent, positive, and hard-working adults, who are themselves effecting change in Seine Bight, a community that struggles with many social ills such as domestic violence, child abuse, crime and alcoholism that are often hidden being under the glow of a thriving tourism destination.

Some of the students he coached such as Zadel and Jahmal are now assisting him in teaching football to the younger kids and he is thankful to have them follow in his footsteps. Jose Maria, his cousin, is another important person helping him in his mission. Kirwin also organizes beach clean ups, and if he tells one child about it, it’s only a matter of minutes before 20 or 30 kids come running to help. They look up to him as a role model, a motivator, and a counsellor. To me, he is nothing short of an angel.

On top of all his voluntary work, he is currently completing his associates degree in natural resources management while teaching physical education at Peninsula International Academy in Placencia and offering much of his time playing music at his church.

When I asked him where he gets all his energy (and whether or not he ever sleeps!) he answered that God gives him everything he needs to live out his purpose. He says the power comes from our mind too, and if we have a strong mind, we can accomplish anything; we can even save lives. And I can testify that he has helped save many lives, including mine.

Kirwin has big dreams for Seine Bight. He wants to build a restaurant that serves cultural food and provides employment for single parents of the village; he would love to open a salon for girls to offer hair-braiding and a barber shop for the boys. He thinks acquiring boats and training some tour guides would help increase the tourism in the village and help it prosper. In the future, he is aspiring to be part of the Seine Bight Village Council to participate in decision-making and seeking more financial support to carry out his much-needed initiatives.

Kirwin Ramirez shows off an appreciation card with the help of a student at Peninsula International Academy where he is employed as a physical education teacher.

His advice to the youth is to “love the life you live, and live the life you love, but be careful of the choices you make. Those choices will affect the course of your life”. He encourages kids and teens to make their education a priority, and to go to college so that more doors open to them, and they can live their dreams.

He would like to thank everyone who has supported him emotionally and financially over the years. He is especially thankful for his sister and Olympian Kaina Martinez, for giving him support and encouragement his whole life. He shows much gratitude for his Pastor, Jim Menses, for his spiritual guidance and mentoring. He would also like to thank Shaylene Todd, of Itz'ana Resort, for providing him with speakers, a keyboard, a microphone and guitar stand − equipment that has allowed him to record more songs and nurture his passion for music.

If anyone is interested in donating money or equipment for the children's activities or to other members of the Seine Bight community, please get in contact with Kirwin. He is happy to distribute the donations to the members in need. He would also like to record an album by the end of this year and would appreciate financial assistance in recordinghis music and spreading his messages to more people. Your kindness and generosity will be so appreciated and will have a big impact on Kirwin’s growth and success, as well as the communities he serves.

Kirwin plays guitar at a Catholic mass in Seine Bight. Kirwin's music, in the style of reggae and rap, aims to inspire listeners to make positive life choices.

It is an honour to know Kirwin, to call him a friend, and to see all the amazing things he’s doing around him. He is strengthening his community and showing everyone that if we work together in unity, we can be happier, healthier and make a difference in our lives and the lives of generations to come. He helps children believe in themselves, gain confidence, stay in school, and dream big! He is a wonderful example of a survivor and a leader who impacts the lives of so many. Thank you Kirwin for shining your beautiful light on us and teaching us that with a little bit of faith, anything is possible! Even miracles.▪

Watch Kirwin's music videos for "Stop the Bully," "When Days are Dark, Friends are Few" and more originals on his YouTube channel. Just search for Kirwin Ramirez.

Our August contributing writer Aline Habib first moved to the Placencia Peninsula in 2006. She immediately fell in love with the people and continuously sought ways to better herself and the community. She was the owner of a successful boutique in Placencia Village popular for catering to the needs of young moms, the founder of a youth center that provided a fun learning space for children that needed an outlet outside school hours and later developed a deeply spiritual self through yoga and the vegan lifestyle. Despite Aline’s brave attempts to heal the world around her, she succumbed to her own demons. She now dedicates her time to being a full-time mom, and strengthening her mind and body while teaching others to be more compassionate with themselves. You can reach Aline at papayaboutique@gmail.com.

Aline Habib