Local News

A peaceful demonstration was held today in San Ignacio.  Reporter Patrick Jones has the story.

PATRICK JONES

Senior News Reporter

RSV Media Centre

“Thousands of people from virtually all over the nation converged on the Columbus Park in San Ignacio Town for a massive demonstration.  Simultaneous with the demonstration was a voluntary twelve hour business shut down of the twin towns starting at 7am.  The majority of establishments closed their doors as a show of support for the people of San Ignacio and Santa Elena who are clamoring for justice for murder victims and for something to be done to address the growing crime situation.”

Demonstrator #1

“It’s not only for Cayo that we are doing this but for our children.  We are teachers from Santa Elena Primary School and our motto is all about kids.  The fact that our children are dying in the streets, the fact that we have innocent people who are dying, we are falling like flies and it seems that it’s falling on deaf ears and our ministers and those who should be there representing us are saying that it is difficult to deal with and there is nothing much that they can do.  It’s a shame.”

Demonstrator #2

“We are here to support the Cayo community; Belmopan is part of the Cayo community – we are teachers and we understand what parents are going through so that is why we are out here as teachers and as part of the community.”

Demonstrator #3

“We are out here because we are in solidarity with our brothers and sisters that have been victims of crime; in the capital city we have our share too and we decide that if we put our heads together we must be able to send a message to those in authority that are willing and are able to make the difference.”

PATRICK JONES

Senior News Reporter

RSV Media Centre

“Demonstrators carried placards and signs that depicted an array of messages but all centering on the demand for justice.  The Teachers’ Union led in the singing of songs, while various members of the community and civil society were invited to address the crowd.”

Demonstrator #3

“The message is address the social issues so that we in turn as teachers will be able to address the issues that we have pertaining to some societal deviances.”

PATRICK JONES

Senior News Reporter

RSV Media Centre

“During the course of the demonstration the residents circulated a list of persons who have been murdered in recent months and for whom justice is still pending.  These include Sylvan Roberts, Maritza Santos, Suzenne Martinez, Jasmine Lowe, Marco Thompson, Efrain Cruz, Edwardo Sanchez, Polo Waight, Maria and Richard Stuart.  It was billed as a peaceful demonstration and Thursday’s event held through to form as the Police and Belize Defense Board stood guard watching the overflow crowd taking a stand, closing down traffic on what would normally be a busy part of town in front of the Administration Building.  A torch run from Belmopan arrived at the Columbus Park just after midday and a moment of silence was observed for the victims of crime particularly, the two University of Belize students who were killed over the last month.”

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the People’s United Party’s northern caucus both issued releases stating their support for today’s action.

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