Band stage and restored bust; new elements to the Battlefield Park

If you venture in downtown Belize City you’ll note an upgrade to the bust of national hero, Antonio Soberanis. Its refurbishment has been completed and luminaries such as the Chief Justice and union leaders were present today to pay tribute to the contribution Soberanis made to the labor movement. News Five’s Marion Ali reports from the Battlefield Park where a new band stage was also inaugurated.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The unveiling of the newly refurbished Antonio Soberanis bust at the historic Battlefield Park this evening was one of two improvements to give the park a facelift.  The park, which had lost some of its luster over the years, also sports a brand new band stage.

Dating back to 1638 when it was established as a meeting ground, the park got its name in 1915, from a song by the Salvation Army: “I’m on the Battlefield”.  It was also the venue for countless labor movement meetings in the early 1930’s, spearheaded by Soberanis.  Today President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Dylan Reneau, fittingly gave a biography of the man who championed the cause of the workforce.

dylan reneau

Dylan Reneau, President, NTUCB

“The unemployed brigade made representation to the governor to address the unemployment situation. Although the governor responded with some relief, it was not to the liking of the unemployed brigade so they resigned. Antonio Soberanis who was  a member of the unemployed brigade continued the fight for he had a passion for the cause of unemployed workers and he uttered, I would prefer to be a dead hero than a living coward.”

But perhaps most fitting to speak about the man whose bust stares at the very building that stands for justice and equality, the Supreme Court, was no less than the Chief Justice himself, Doctor Abdulai Conteh, who injected a bit of sarcasm at the ceremony.

Dr. Abdulai Conteh, Chief Justice

Dr. Abdulai Conteh

I must confess that the glaring march between Mister Soberanis’ memorial statue and I has continued over the decade I have been Chief Justice. As on every occasion when I inspect the annual parade and took the salute at the opening of the Supreme Court, I returned his glare with a straight face.  Alas, however, Mister Soberanis’ has won. His memorial statue has not only been renovated and refurbished but replaced in the same position from which he will continue to gaze at the Supreme Court over the years to come. As for me, I shall soon formally demit office as Chief Justice of Belize. I have been out-stared. But let me add that it was of course an unwinnable contest and one that I’m happy to conclude. A battle I’m happy to concede with such worthy opponent of Mister Soberanis.”

john moody

The new band stage, which can now accommodate social and cultural events and even a small international band, was aptly occupied during the ceremony by re-known saxophonist, John Moody, who delighted the audience with his talent.  Marion Ali for News Five.

The construction and refurbishing were funded by the Hans Nandini Bhojwani Foundation.