Ecumenical rally to protest murders

With four children murdered in Belize City, two more in the northern districts and sex crimes against children rampant throughout the country, a number of agencies that deal with families and children are hoping to focus national attention on the problem. An ecumenical rally will be held at the Pound Yard in Belize City this Sunday. Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Human Development Brenda Stuart says it is critical at this stage to get the churches and other groups involved.

Brenda Stuart, Department of Human Development

“We’re hoping for somewhat the same turnout that we had for the vigil and maybe more. We’re looking at church groups, choirs, the girl scout, boy scout, girl guides. We’re looking at NGOs and private organizations to all be a part of this. Specifically we’re looking at church groups because church groups are the ones that I think are easy to touch the community. And so we’re trying to send the message through the church groups to the community to continue this healing process.

The candlelight vigil achieved exactly what we wanted to focus on and that was public awareness. We wanted the community to realize and understand, to be a partner and show them that as a community we must be involved. And we wanted them to understand that they were not the only ones in this; we wanted the families to feel the support, that there are people who are out there that care.”

The rally is scheduled for 5 p.m. this Sunday so that people from the districts will be able to participate.