First National High School Debate on the Constitution of Belize

Jamie Usher

The People’s Constitution Commission, in collaboration with the Belize High School, held its first National High School Debate today in Belize City. The question that was put forward for debate was, “are our fundamental rights and freedoms, listed in part two of the constitution, enough?” The event saw the participation of ten students from eight high schools. Here is more from the debate.

Jamie Usher, Organizer, National High School Debate

“When the chairman was named I had an inside track into being able to say let’s do something with a secondary school opportunity. And, we started speaking with Commissioner Christopher De’ Shield and the national debate were fleshed out and the detail came together and we are here today listening to ten students debating on the constitution.”

Diannie Pech

Diannie Pech, Ocean Academy High School

“My team was driving for education, poverty, and the lack of health care in Belize. Those were the point we were using. We made sure to focus on all of that and if somebody was doing something else. We all bring it back to some to at least one of those points.”

Reporter

“How challenge do you think the constitution is to understand for young people?”

Diannie Pech

“For me it was challenging because it uses a lot of lawyer talk. There were some big words, so I had to Google a lot of words, but with the help of your teacher or somebody it really easy, but they should maybe like lessen the use of bigger words or make a version that younger people can understand.”

Anthony Chanona

Anthony Chanona, Chairman, People’s Constitution Commission

“I was very encouraged that young people in a society or environment of social media to have taken the time to undertake this exercise which meant doing some research and it also highlights for me the importance of young people to be aware of the constitution.”