Israel Johann Alpuche
Personality of the Month Award Recipient
(November, 2019)
THE KENRICK MARK COLEMAN FOUNDATION
“Intelligence, Discipline, Wisdom, Excellence”
PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH AWARD
“Recognition for exemplifying the qualities of a Hardworking, Talented, Intelligent, and Deserving Young Belizean”
Israel Johann Alpuche
Personality of the Month Award Recipient
(November, 2019)
And now, The Official Interview with Kenrick Mark Coleman!
1. Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What was your family like? What three words best describe you? Why?
My name is Israel Johann Alpuche and I am a proud resident of Corozal Town. I am the 2nd child of my two amazing parents — Israel E. Alpuche and Lorena Alpuche. I have two wonderful sisters — Stacey and Betty Alpuche. Three words that best describe me are “Service Above Self”.
2. What are your future aspirations?
My aspiration is to continue my Legal Career and one day sit as a Judge at the Caribbean Court of Justice.
3. What do you think is one of the major challenges affecting teenagers in Belize today? What is the cause of this challenge and how would you go about correcting the situation?
One of the major challenges affecting teenagers is the lack of motivation to excel and the lack of avenues to excel. Many teenagers don’t see the value in becoming educated or skilled whether it is a carpenter, accountant, doctor, etc…
The cause is really rooted in society! Teenagers are not fully encouraged to pursue their dreams and therefore, many students don’t continue high school and/or university.
I believe the corrective measure is to encourage goal settings within schools. Also, the public and private sectors need to contribute financially in supporting teenagers with scholarships. Lastly, students and teachers need to have a “no one left behind” mentality.
4. Which holiday of the year do you enjoy most? Describe it.
I enjoy the Christmas Holidays! It’s a time families come together to celebrate, to eat and drink and party! There’s this contagious spread of happiness throughout the holidays and its also a time to share with those who may not be as fortunate as us.
5. What is your most memorable experience and why?
My most memorable experience has been my tenure pursuing my Law Degree in the Caribbean. I cherished every moment meeting new people with different backgrounds. Every year, I gained both academically and personally. I remember leaving for the first time, heading into a new country, a new environment but arriving with enthusiasm rather than fear.
6. I am really impressed with your biography. Please share with us some of your major achievements?
My major achievements includes my academic development (attaining my Law Degree and now, practicing Law in Belize), and my community service over the years (I worked with many non-profit organizations). From my early high school days, I’ve been working with a diversity of community projects within Corozal. Fortunately, I learnt so much during my volunteer work and I took those values to the UWI and keep ‘living’ them today.
7. Tell us more about your academic life at the University of the West Indies? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?
I chose the University of the West Indies (UWI) because they offered an excellent Law degree program with a Caribbean perspective. Since I always intended to practice law in Belize, this was the best choice. I commenced my studies in 2012. I was partially aided by a Government financial grant which was given due to my academic performance, with the remainder of my studies being self-funded. The subjects were are all focused on Law, Development, Governments and the Caribbean. At UWI, I made friendships with my fellow students that will definitely last a lifetime.
8. In your bio, you also stated that you were involved in the Tutoring and Debate Clubs. What were the experiences like? What accomplishments have you made? Do you plan to move into National Politics?
I always believed in helping others and that’s what encouraged me to tutor students who needed academic support. As a matter of fact, it was always a rewarding experience when those students excelled! In regards to the Debate Club, I always had a drive for public speaking and respectful discussion and debating became the perfect medium. The result of that experience is that it reassured me of my interest and future in law.
Whether I plan to move into National Politics is yet to be determined. I keep supporting community development through my local Rotaract Club.
9. Let’s talk about your involvement in Rotaract and the UWI Guild?. Describe your purpose in these groups?. How has your participation contributed to your reputation and professional development?
Rotaract is the organization that introduced to me the concept of “Service Above Self”. We believe in helping individuals around our community and growing as a person. The UWI Guild is the Student Government at UWI Cavehill. It was an avenue to reach out to my fellow students in need of support academically, socially, etc… We also helped to create policies with the University administration which represents the needs of the students.
10. You are currently at NMLS?. Describe your tenure at present (academics, projects, extracurricular, et al). What are your personal expectations from NMLS?
I am now a Graduate of Norman Manley Law School. It is one of the most difficult academic courses I’ve met. Nonetheless, during my tenure, I became a part of an Advocacy Academic Team and represented the school in a competition after rigorous months of Advocacy Training. That training allowed me to meet various legal minds in Jamaica which has contributed to my legal studies. NMLS met all my personal expectations and encouraged students that it is all worth it.
13. Tell us about the experience interning at the Attorney General’s Ministry? How has this secured much needed experience and skills as a upcoming Belizean Attorney?
Interning at the Attorney General’s Ministry gives any student interested in law a hands on approach and introduction to various areas of law from legal drafting, litigation and international law and company law. Personally, it was an excellent experience and a place I soon hope to become a part of.
14. Do you believe the education system in Belize needs to be restructured? Is there a need for the proper fusion of a “Cultures & History of Belize” section in the curriculum?
I would say “modernizing” instead of restructuring. I believe that technology and research are the pillars of any modern education system which needs to be more utilized in Belize. The whole concept of standardized test and its value needs to be assessed and also the assurance of quality education which seems to vary from school to school.
In regards to the fusion of a “Cultures and History of Belize” curriculum, I believe it must be taught. While there is a history curriculum, there needs to more ‘active, progressive, and vibrant’ development in Belizean History and Cultural and Historical Authenticity.
15. If you were given the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceno, what three important issues would you discuss?
I would discuss the following three issues:
1. The Justice System
2. Our Foreign Policy
3. Social and Human Development.
16. Life can be challenging. How do you get rid of stress and what’s your advice to others on this?
Life is stressful! Sometimes, its good to take a break — sit down, enjoy an afternoon, relaxing!
I tend to turn off all electronic devices and escape to the nearest beachside to relax. My advice is to find your unique solution to stress — it can be music, football, reading or some activity that will allow you to escape from the stressful moments.
17. Which Belizean Hero do you embrace? Why?
I personally embrace and relate to the late Hon. Phillip S.W Goldson. In addition to his interest in Law, he dedicated his life in shaping our country into a better community. His involvement in the nationalist, civil and political movements is super-star. He challenged the system and fathered democracy by putting his personal success aside to serve as a mindful opposition every step of our Belizean history. He reminded us that it’s never too late to challenge our leaders.
18. In one of my recent articles I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ In the latter part of the article I also stated: ‘The primary culture of reluctance refers to a themed, laid-back mentality, wherein our population, or at least, majority of the population, have a meddlesome, unaware, and mediocre approach to self development and self fulfillment.’ What’s your perspective on these two statements?
I agree with both statements. I mentioned earlier that we aren’t doing enough to motivate our younger generation. Society has led our youth to believe in the present and not the future.
This “mediocrity” is society’s fault as we haven’t created enough avenues that support self-fulfillment. Society looks down on skilled laborers, the public and private sectors barely contribute to educational opportunities and unfortunately many successful individuals don’t give back to their community.
Date of Birth: 24th March 1996
Place of Birth: Chetumal, Mexico — Naturalized Belizean from Birth.
Parents: Israel Alpuche and Lorena Alpuche
Brothers & Sisters: Stacey Alpuche, Betty Alpuche
School: Mary Hill R.C. School, Corozal Community College, Corozal Junior College, The University of the West Indies, Norman Manley Law School.
Hobbies: Sports ( Football) and Music.
With the Powers Vested Into Us:
I, Kenrick Mark Coleman, Founder & Chairman of The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation proclaim Israel Johann Alpuche as the November 2019 Personality of the Month Award Recipient. Israel is entitled to an Official Interview, an Authentication Award and all privileges that complement the Personality of the Month Award Program. Israel now joins thirty-five other hardworking, talented, intelligent and deserving Belizeans in our Official Order of Distinction.
Photo Credits: Israel Alpuche
Acknowledgement: Israel Alpuche
Personality of the Month Award Recipients:
Laurita Williams (June, 2008) Toledo
Abel Coleman (July, 2008) Toledo
Gareth Jacobs (November, 2008) Toledo
Floridalma Fajardo (February, 2009) Toledo
Felicita Arzu (July, 2009) Orange Walk
Samson Jacobs (January, 2010) Belize City
Clive Myers (May, 2010) Belize City
Ashanti Garcia (July, 2010) San Ignacio
Leilah Pandy (August, 2010) Belize City
Myra Fajardo (October, 2010) Toledo
Dorien Villafranco (September, 2011) Belmopan
Annlyn Apolonio (August, 2012) Belize City
Micah Goodin (January, 2013) Belize City
Andre Alamina (November, 2013) Belize City
Juana Meza (March, 2014) Stann Creek
Justyn Craig (June, 2015) Belize City
Harsheel Makhijani (September, 2015)Orange Walk
Zeida Montero (October, 2015) Stann Creek
Jasmine Myvette (December, 2015) Sand Hill
Francis Sutherland (February, 2016) Corozal
Cindy Espinal (March, 2016) Stann Creek
Robin Gray (April, 2016) Stann Creek
Juan Bol (May, 2016) Toledo
Andrew Vasquez (June, 2016) Belize City
Kevin Trejo (November, 2016) Orange Walk
Dovini Chell (December, 2016) Orange Walk
Nissa Waldman (January, 2017) Corozal
Bryton Codd (March, 2018) Belize City
Daniel Hung (June, 2018) Belmopan
Dino Emilio Gutierrez (August, 2018) Cayo
Tsung Wei Wu (September, 2018) Corozal
Diany Leal (October, 2018) Cayo
Robin Quilter (November, 2018) Ladyville
Tianna Coleman (March, 2019) Stann Creek
Azizi Hoy (October, 2019) Belize City
Israel Alpuche (November, 2019) Corozal
