Annual Signa York lecture to debate “Compromis”
The compromis signed between Belize and Guatemala back on December eighth, 2008 was a fundamental step taken by the two countries to advance the territorial dispute to the I.C.J. for a definitive solution. Since then the debate has been raging by those who believe there is too much at risk and others who have complete faith in Belize’s case. Coming up there is an opportunity to get updated on the pros and cons of going the I.C.J. route. The nineteenth annual lecture in memory of the late educator, Signa Yorke, which is being sponsored by Saint John’s College Junior College, centers on the theme The Compromis; its Risks and Promises.” We spoke to S.J.C. lecturer and chairman, Alan Flores, about this year’s lecture.
Alan Flores, Chairman, Signa Yorke Lecture
“To give people an understanding or a deeper appreciation offor what is happening in our social reality, meaning that a lot of people need to be informed about the implications, about the risk as it relates to the referendum. So what we are doing here, as responsible lecturers and teachers, is to bring this information from both the private and the public sector in the form of a lecture so that we can better inform the society about what is happening.”
“The presenters will be presenting both from a historical standpoint—Mr. Humphreys will be doing that—and then Mr. Eamon Courtenay will be doing the legal aspect of it and then Mr. Vernon will be giving us an idea as to what a referendum is and what are some of the reality as to what could be the outcome should in the eventuality that we should go that route or the people should decide to go that route. So we’ll be giving a comprehensive understanding of the risks and some of the other shortcomings that a referendum can bring with it.”
Delahnie Bain
“You chose this topic because you think this is the most pressing in our society right or just something that needs to be addressed?”
Alan Flores
“I think it’s a very important topic. I think that we’re talking about our future, we’re talking about the Belizean, we’re talking about—I think everything is at stake here and so I think, in my humble opinion that this topic is well in order at this point.”
Yorke was a teacher for most of her working life and spent twelve years at S.J.C. She passed away in 1989. The lecture is open to the general public and will be held at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts on Wednesday at six-thirty p.m.
