Children’s rally protests murders
While the victim of the alleged abduction attempt today escaped with her life, there are others who were not so lucky. This week three organizations, which deal with children, announced that they view the murder of eight of Belize’s girls and the seemingly constant stream of rapes and sexual assaults against children as a declaration of war. To arm the most vulnerable against the enemy, they invited Belize City schools to join with them in a protest march. This afternoon, the students and their teachers took up the challenge. They were out in full force to declare that the time has come for something to fight back.
Children singing
“I believe the children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way…”
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
It was an emotional evening for both the young and the old as students, parents, teachers and concerned citizens took part in the peaceful demonstration against the killings of Belize’s children.
Shawn Gill, Facilitator, NCH Action For Children
“Eight children are dead and eight children dead, are eight too many and I think the country of Belize has been quiet and it is time we broke out and send a message across this land that we will not tolerate the violence against our children anymore.”
The demonstration was organized by the NCH Action for Children, the NCFC and the Young Women’s’ Christian Association. It started off with a parade through the streets of Belize City and ended in a rally at the Supreme Court building.
Children shouting
“Stop child abuse!”
June Gabourel, the mother of Sherilee Nicholas, the first girl be murdered in 1998 said she is pleased that so many people came out to march but she believes that others out there know something that can help solve the crimes.
June Gabourel
“Can’t someone say something and not just say do, but do urgently.
There should have been something like this a long ago this is a big turn out and a great one so I feel very good about this turnout.”
Shawn Gill, Facilitator, NCH Action for Children
“First of all awareness, awareness countrywide for our children, that they are in danger. Secondly to increase community participation, our communities need to get back together to the point where we used to look out for our children and look out for our neighbours. Thirdly to put together a rapid response team that is heaven forbid this happens again, that we have people that we can call in immediately to deal with this situation. “
Eight balloons were released in the memory of Samantha Gordon, Rebecca Gilharry, Karen Cruz, Sherilee Nicholas, Jackie Malic, Erica Wills, Jay Blades and Noemi Hernandez; all young girls were killed over the past two years. The killer, or killers, is still at large.
A memorial service was held earlier this week for 15 year old Noemi Hernandez at St. Ignatius. The police are establishing a special hotline and urge those who have seen, or knows something that might be significant to call them.
