Remembering William Dawson, One Year Later
William Dawson
Today marks the first anniversary of the sudden loss of William Dawson, the former chair of the Leadership Intervention Unit. The department, an arm of the Ministry of Home Affairs, works closely with community leaders and at-risk youths in various neighborhoods across Belize City. During his time as head of the L.I.U., Dawson became a household name for the many interventions that he engaged in with feuding groups in the Old Capital. He was also well known for his firm, anti-violence approach to conflict resolution. Tonight, in observing his passing a year ago, News Five looks back at the meaningful contributions of the Lion to Belizean society.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Belize City, as an urban environment, is fraught with crime and violence, a majority of which is the result of gang activity. From it all emerged a remarkably brave individual who would turn his life around and use his experiences growing up in the streets of the Old Capital to mentor at-risk youths from various walks of life.
William Dawson
William Dawson, Chairman, Leadership Intervention Unit (File: November 18th, 2022)
“One of the great strides we have made is bringing the young men to the table. We have seen that they are the ones calling for intervention now. They want to sit down and trash it out. One of the greatest things we have been focusing on is on the family, the importance of the family. So, when you have young men and women from these communities who, for their entire lives, have been exposed to violent behavior, getting them to sit down and air out their differences is something new. They really do see the need for it and it might sound crazy, but it makes a whole lot of difference, especially for our young men, for them to be able to understand how to express themselves and understand emotional intelligence. That very situation does not have to be solved violently.”
William Dawson was a rose that grew from concrete. His knowledge and skill, having been exposed to the harsh and unpredictable realities of life in underserved communities, made him unique as the first person to head up the Leadership Intervention Unit.
William Dawson, Chairman, Leadership Intervention Unit (File: October 20th, 2022)
“The LIU, along with the Department of Youth Services and the police department and our other stakeholders have been working around the clock to make sure that we initiate and build rapport with the different communities and I must say that it is very warming to hear the community responding in a very positive manner, as it relates to the minimum criminal activity within this community in particular that we have known as being a hotspot in Belize City. And to hear from the elders enjoying that calm and peace and to see the community moving together as one is very elating for us.”
His was a passion for bringing people together in the name of harmony, free from conflict and bloodshed. In his pursuit to make Belize City a better place and returning it to the tranquil haven that it once was, Dawson lost his fight with illness one year ago to date.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs (File: January 25th, 2023)
“Certainly, we cannot let the legacy and vision of Mr. Dawson pass. That is something that we owe it to him to honor him and continue with the path that he has led us on, because he is not just a colleague and a brother. He is our leader. And so, we have to certainly pick up the pieces as best as we can and continue in the path that he has taken us that, which like I said, has certainly yielded some very positive results.”
Since his untimely passing, the University of Belize has established a memorial scholarship in his honor. Several other sporting activities in basketball and football have also been dedicated to his memory. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
