Students have their say on Monday’s Uniform Parade
And we turn now to changes in the official programme for National Day activities. As reported in our newscast yesterday, the recent grenade threat has caused safety concerns so parade organizers were prompted to bow to demands by schools to change the route and date of the Uniform Parade to this coming Monday. In a check today, we found out that some schools intend to send only a representative body of one hundred and fifty students, others will raise placards against violence and encourage peace while others are planning a no show. But while plans are being made in offices, how do parents and students on the streets feel about Monday’s march? That is what we tried to find out today.
Marlisse Leslie, Student
“Well the parade is on the Monday and the Independence Day is on Sunday and so as a Catholic I will not march and the school will only make first years and transfers and the executive body march. And so I would strongly go against it because I am a Catholic and on Sunday we should rest and if the Independence Day was on a Monday I would march because it’s our independence.”
Student #1
“Yes, I have the option to go and march. My parents they told me I can go. I believe that I will be going out there to march cause I don’t think its going to be that dangerous.”
Student #2
“Well, I would like to go march cause since I am in first form it would give me the opportunity to go on the streets and experience this parade for the first time.”
Duane Moody
“Is there anything that is restricting you from marching this year?
Student #2
“Well, I hear they have to take a hundred and fifty students. I’m not sure who all they are going to pick, but I will surely volunteer to go and march.”
Marlisse Leslie
“Well it is scary, but I think the government and the police department they have enough security and Belizeans should be safe. And the people who are doing the violence, please stop, it’s not right. They are putting other people’s lives in danger.”
Voice of a Parent of Student
“I don’t think I would send my daughter to parade on the twenty-first.”
Duane Moody
“Why is it that you won’t do that?”
Voice of Parent
“Because I think it’s kinda dangerous for students right now. On carnival day my daughter was watching the parade and she was where the gunshots were fired, right in the line of fire. I am very much afraid. People are saying you shouldn’t be afraid but I am because you never know where they can hit next and I might be one of the unfortunate parents who lose their kid and I am afraid of that. I only have two daughters and I love my two daughters dearly and I wouldn’t want to lose any of them.”
The parade’s route has been cut short to turn from Magazine Road towards Pound Yard Bridge and onto Albert Street. The police department has stated that there will be extra patrols to ensure the safety of the marchers as well as the public.
