Through flashbacks, points on politics and independence are strongly brought out, since the political struggles for independence in Belize at that time also mirrors Beka's own need for self-rule and her developing maturity. Beka's father (Bill Lamb) cuts down Beka's favorite tree (a bougainvillea) as a sign that the wild ways Beka had picked up must stop at once when she finally tells him that she has failed her exam.
Through flashbacks, key issues in politics and autonomy are highlighted, as the political battles for independence in Belize at that time parallel Beka's own desire for self-governance and her maturation. Beka's father (Bill Lamb) cuts down Beka's favorite tree (a bougainvillea) as a signal that the untamed ways Beka has adopted must cease immediately when she finally tells him that she has failed her exam.