Students rally to discuss proposals
The comments by the Foreign Minister came against the background of a national youth rally held today in Belize City. The event was organised by public administration students of the University of Belize. News 5’s Marion Ali was there.
Marion Ali, Reporting
The rally, which attracted about two hundred students from most of the nation’s tertiary level institutions, started with a march through the streets, ending at the Belize City Centre. The objective was to stimulate the minds of all youths of voting age regarding the importance of registering and casting their ballots.
Among the speakers were historian and writer, Emory King, Chief Elections Officer Myrtle Palacio, entertainers, Jacob Diggs, and Leroy “The Grand Master” Young, not to mention the students themselves. Abel Blanco emphasized that young people are not powerless.
Abel Blanco, Presenter
“Belizean youths have the privileges and the power to vote. It’s their electoral right, it is in our Constitution, and it’s all part of civic education. And that is maybe what is lacking in Belize, to inform the youths about that power that they have, that power of decision that they can make a change and they can make a difference in this country, in the future on all issues regarding national needs.”
And according to Miguel Perez, this particular issue will be kept alive.
Miguel Perez, Rally Organiser
“This is just the start. We plan to continue having such rallies as this one today. And we continue to go to the different districts and having the students more involved in the process of the proposals.”
But did today’s rally really influence students to become involved in the process?
Marion Ali
“Are you over 18?”
Student #1
“Yes.”
Marion Ali
“Are you registered?”
Student #1
“No.”
Marion Ali
“Are you convinced?”
Student #1
“Yes I am very convinced.”
Marion Ali
“Are you gonna go register now?”
Student #1
“Yes, as soon as I get the rest of the legal documents I need.”
Student #2
“I’m eighteen and I’m not registered yet. But from day one since I’ve heard about these proposals, I began gathering my documents to register.”
Student #3
“This was a very good presentation and I encourage all you Belizeans out there to come and vote because it’s our country and we need to do something about this.”
Student #4
“I’m not of age to vote but if I was I would have voted.”
Marion Ali
“You’re gonna encourage your peers who are older to vote?”
Student #4
“Definitely, I think everyone that is of age should vote.”
Marion Ali for News 5.
Similar rallies are being planned for venues in the north and south over the next few weeks.
