Belmopan students protest killings
Those of us who live in Belize City tend to think of the series of five unsolved child murders as a problem endemic to the old capital. But this morning it was students in the new capital who made themselves heard on an issue they believe affects all Belizeans.
Children Shouting
“We are in danger. we are in danger. We are in pain. We are in pain. We need your help. We need your help, to show Jack that he is insane. To show Jack that he is insane.”
It was a massive show of solidarity. Primary school children, armed with placards in hand, rallied for their protection and an end to the violence against children.
Kelvin Usher
“Well we are very concerned because this person, whosoever is doing this, is only destroying our precious Belize.”
The March took the children around Belmopan’s ring road and then into Independence Park. There the students listened to speeches and watched a play titled, “Watch U back, anybody could be Jack!”
Vaneene Mendez
“This play is basically to show that anyone can be Jack. It could be a nurse, it could a teacher, it could be your best friend father, your neighbour, anybody. So we just wanted to children to be aware that they shouldn’t go with anyone, not even your friend’s father. Because as “Juju”, she was a character in the play, and she wanted me to go with her father and I told her no because anyone can be Jack, your friends father. So it is to let the children be aware that anyone can be Jack so just watch your back and be aware.”
Although we may not know who Jack is, we do know the children who have been murdered come from poor families. This has prompted the Ministry of Human Development to work closely with parents and find ways to economically assist families.
Evan Dakers, Social Planner, Ministry Human Development
“Most of the problems stem from a situation where the social and economic situation is very poor. In fact if you do a quick check of most of those families who have lost young girls, they can be considered living below the poverty line. A second issue that seems to run throughout these cases is that of weak parental care. I think the ministry’s approach is to try and work with the parents, relatives and most importantly the community because I don’t think, in fact I know the police will not be able to apprehend Jack or Jill or whatever without the support of the community.”
Children as well are being asked to be more careful and to watch out for each other. As the police investigate to find out who is killing the children, they are aware that children do talk to one another and may know something that could help them.
Maureen Leslie, Superintendent of Police
“We are aware that there are circumstances where why some girls may be easier prey than others, but we are also convinced that friends know more than they are saying. Be a true friend and speak out.”
The rally was organized by the students and staff of UCB Belmopan Campus. Carla pastor, a lecturer at the college says she is has been encouraged by the support shown by the students.
Carla Pastor, Lecturer, UCB Belmopan Campus
“The idea for this rally started in one of our literature class. We were talking about all the issues affecting Belize and we decided to have this rally because we wanted to send out a message. We want to send out a message to everybody, to be aware of what is happening. We want to send a message to the police force, to all the ministries of government to take this thing seriously and strengthen their efforts in finding the perpetrator.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Although Sherilee Nicholas, Jay Blades, Erica Wills Jackie Malic and Noemi Hernandez all came from Belize City, 50 miles away from Belmopan, the children from the Cayo district are very concerned about their safety.”
Carlos Smith
“As you might know we are a very religious school and we believe that every child has a right to live in this world and in this nation. Here in Belmopan we have a lot of kids around and we do expect that parents take care of their children.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What are you students doing at Belmopan Comprehensive School to look out for one another?
Cuffa Ramirez
“Well, we look out for one another in that we keep very close to our friends, when we walk home we do not walk home alone. Most of the time we know that Jack does not exist only in Belize City, he can be anywhere. The person can be anywhere and we are all in danger.”
June Gabourel knows the pain of losing a daughter. Gabourel is the mother of Sherilee Nicholas, the first young girl who was brutally killed in 1998. Since then, Gabourel has joined in the fight to end the madness.
June Gabourel
“I am calling on all mothers, fathers, families and friends of the deceased to come out in force and show them that we mean business. We will do it not for ourselves but for the safety of our children, we do not want any more murders, we want it to stop we are crying out loud and clear we don’t want anymore.”
Carlos Smith
“Parents take care of your children don’t let them go nowhere by themselves and kids stick with a friend and take care of yourself.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Jacqueline Woods.
Police are not certain whether one person or group of persons is responsible for all five killings but the circumstances surrounding each death suggest that the murders are not unrelated.
