'Emilia Olivera a real and humble woman a native of the Central American country of Belize
becomes thanks to VíctorManuel Durán's literary talent the true embodiment of the Belizean
woman a proud unbreakable spirit a demandingmother and a loyal companion who was able with
grace and determination to face both joyful events and harsh tragediesduring her long life in
Progreso a village in the Corozal District in the country of Belize. Emilia mother of Víctor
Manuel Durán and seven other children reaches through her enduring andendearing existence
the symbolic status of mother of her young and noble homeland Belize. Beloved by family
members and relatives who cheered her till a few weeks from her one hundred and second
birthday admired by her fellow citizens she earned the right to rest in peace in the small
cemetery of the village of Progreso. Her soul though will inhabit forever thewooded banks of
the large and beautiful fresh-water lagoon she enjoyed so much throughout her life.'Alain
Saint-Saëns literary critic Professor of Latin American Studies Universidad del Norte
(Paraguay) Corresponding Member of the Academy of Letters Bahia Brazil.
