Businessman promotes patriotism

You may have noticed the ads in newspapers, radio and television calling on all Belizeans to stop what they’re doing at noon on Saturday and pay respect to a special playing of our national anthem. Well, the campaign did not just appear out of thin air; it was the work of Belize City businessman Maurice Underwood. For Underwood, the proprietor of J.L.’s Quick Loan and related companies, the point is not to promote his business, but to make Belizeans take pride in their nation.

Maurice Underwood, Proprietor, J.L.’s Quick Loan

“Well, I would like for everyone to show their patriotism for just three to four minutes tomorrow, that’s this Saturday, just at twelve o’clock. The national anthem will be playing on the radios and I would like everyone to give the country three or four minutes, that’s all. Out of a whole year, give up just three or four minutes.”

Jose Sanchez

“Why have you decided to do this?”

Maurice Underwood

“I hear a lot of talk, people saying we’re not patriotic any more and we’re losing it. And I want to show these doubting Thomas that we are still patriotic people.

“All the radio stations participating, all the newspapers. It was thought up just Wednesday. Tuesday I went to bed and I thought this would be something good. I think that it will be good for everyone because there’s a lot going on. People don’t think we have that unity and solidarity that we once had, but it’s still there, we still have it.”

Channel 5 will also be airing the national anthem on Saturday at noon.