Princess Royal Youth Hostel is Not a Dump!

The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, in addressing the pressing issues at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel, will be working closely with the families of young adults who are placed in care at that facility.  Part of the problem that has plagued the hostel is the belief by some parents that hostel is merely a place to abandon unruly children.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“In terms of the systemic improvements and changes that we have to make, we will have to work with the parents and the families.  We’ll have to work with the parents and the families because this place cannot be seen as a dumping ground or when they accuse you of uncontrollable behavior they dump you da Mile 21 and dehn forget bout yoh.  So we have to work with parents and we will take the remit of families within the name of this ministry very seriously and, like I said, in a couple of months from now, we are willing to report back to the Belizean people.”

Gilroy Usher Sr.

Gilroy Usher Sr., Minister of State, Human Development

“If I could just add one thing concerning the dorms and that is that while the children are provided with sheets and pillows, the condition of the weather changes from time to time.  Right now we’re in the real cold season and therefore it is unfortunate that the children are not provided with blankets and you know in the night, in this cold time, iron gets cold and so if you are expected to stay in a dorm with just a little thin sheet, come on no blankets.  That’s one of the basic things that the children should be provided for because you should feel safe in your dorm, you should feel welcomed in your dorm, as opposed to being there for some sort of punishment.”