1984 - 1987: Rebirth-Sprouting New Roots

It was in 1984 that we began to seriously prepare for a more focused and sustained existence. Having left elective politics, Assad Shoman decided to dedicate more time to the re-organization of SPEAR and intensified membership recruitment. Stimulated by a new corps of active members who spanned both major political parties, we identified specific objectives, developed clearer programmes and opened an office and resource centre in Belize City. Tapping into contacts in Central America, we succeeded in attracting funding from the Dutch agency, HIVOS, in 1986. Consequently, although legally formed in 1969, the organization did not begin to operate with a paid staff until January of 1987. SPEAR's new members during this period included David Gibson, Wilfred Elrington, David Price, Dennis Jones, Dylan Vernon and Diane Haylock.

1988-1991: Bearing Fruit

Between 1987 and 1991, we grew dramatically both in size and scope of programmes. Our first project, Capacitation for Development, placed special emphasis on working with small communities using popular education methodologies that were in vogue in the rest of Central America and parts of the Caribbean. Our other programmes at the time included advocacy, research, publications, networking and the operation of an information centre
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During this period we were a very idealistic and aggressive organization that believed it could do everything. International funding was easy to come by and there was so much for a SPEAR to do in post-independent Belize. Starting with a staff of two in 1987, by 1991 we mushroomed to 21 with annual budgets reaching BZ$500,000. While much work was actually done, the expansion was not sufficiently strategic and focused. With total dependence on international funds, SPEAR was also very vulnerable to funding cuts.

In these early years of its rebirth, SPEAR's relations with government were sometimes tense. There was general suspicion on the part of government of the 'new' NGOs that were springing up at the time and because of our overtly political mission, we were singled out for much scrutiny. Having the outspoken and progressive former politician, Assad Shoman, as Executive Director, added fuel to the conspiracy theories of some in authority. These theories ranged from SPEAR being a front for the foreign establishment of communism in Belize to being a breeding ground for a radical party that had designs to take over the nation.

Relations with government, as well as SPEAR's public image, gradually improved as the organization produced quality work and broadened its staff and membership. SPEAR, however, has never shied away from its progressive or controversial image since its work will inevitably at times place it at odds with the status quo, whatever political party is in power.

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