Southside neighbourhood tries to change image

Crime is a staple of local newscasts worldwide and Belize is no exception… but our next story involves not the commission of crime, but an attempt to reduce its root causes. This morning I visited a familiar southside Belize City neighbourhood where a small but dedicated group of people are attempting to reverse a process that has brought their area to a dead end.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

Crime not only alters the lives of individuals, but it also has a devastating effect on the economy of a community. That is the problem confronting the residents of Mayflower Street, who have had their share of problems with the law.

Sandra Uter, Resident, Mayflower Street

“Well people cast Mayflowers Street as the worst street in Belize City because the first thing they holler is it’s a crime infested community, which it is not because it is people from outside of other places come and commit the crime. Then through there dah wah outlet fi different streets and they passed through that side deh. Then you have a lot of boys who does heng around.”

As of late, the neighbourhood has been fairly calm, as a number of initiatives have been helping to clean up the area and assist the residents. One has taken the form of a four-month self-enhancement programme for some of Mayflower’s unemployed women. In September, the Social Investment Fund purchased four sewing machines and the Belize Organisation for Women and Development facilitated the participants.

Sandra Uter

“Most women in our place are unemployed because they have children and they have a lot of children and the children di grow up in that same poverty stricken way. So at least we di try come out and do something fi mek they come and help themselves. They sew, they could sell whatever they sew and mek wah income fi themselves fi help themselves much better.”

The women demonstrated their creative skills by producing different style potholders, cushions, tablecloths, and school uniforms.

Margaret Cadle, Facilitator, Sewing Programme

“Sewing helps a lot of people. This could make you be something, this could establish you in a lot of ways, so it’s very important to learn something.”

Now, it’s up to the general public to support the women and help change the reputation of the neighbourhood.

Cadle says the women will be ready for business in January. The office is located at number eight Zericote Street.