Children meet new minister at Independence rally

It has become a regular feature of the September Celebrations and one that seems to get better with every passing year. This morning I had the pleasure to bang hooky along with a whole lot of happy kids.

Thousands of primary school students from Belize City and Ladyville jammed the bleachers inside the Belize City Centre to enjoy a three hour show in the annual Children’s Rally. The presentations, all colorful and lively, had the boys and girls out of their seats and on their feet.

Ozzie, The Clown

“I am sailing in the wind, what a wonderful feeling. I am happy as can be, thumbs up, elbows in, knees together, Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie, Oz.”

But entertainment was not the only purpose of the rally. The children were greeted, for the first time, by their new Minister of Education, Cordel Hyde. Hyde reminded his young guests, that they must not forget their peers who are not in the classroom.

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Education

“There are many children your age who are not in school, because their parents cannot afford to pay the school fees or the school has no spaces or in some cases, the parents just don’t care enough.

The challenge of this new government, in fact my new challenge as Minister of Education, will be to make sure that all, every single one of our school aged kids are in school. No child, no child, should be denied an education because his or her parents can’t afford to pay for it.”

One moving item at today’s event was ten year old Nikita Castillo’s rendition of the popular song “My heart will Go On.” Although some students were overcome by the heat, others managed to jump up to the beat of the Grace Primary Steel Band. After the rally the children were given their usual treats and sent home for the rest of the day.

The minister said that next year a healthy snack will replace the traditional ideal and sweets.