Two weeks ago a group of youths took charge and led an unprecedented march against crime in Belize City. On Sunday evening a group of mothers will hope to do the same with a candlelight vigil. They call themselves Mothers Organized for Peace (MOP). All but one of the ten the founding members are mothers who have lost a child or children to violence. The group is led by Therese Felix whose son Tyrone was murdered on May 14th just yards from his Gill Street home. Therese today told is they will march because they are tired of weeping and grieving.
Therese Felix, Mothers Organized for Peace
"In the past month and a half this area experienced a lot of violence, we had a case of child molestation, and I think enough is enough. We as mothers supposed to put our foot first. Let us come together, join together, and do something; some kind of peace in this area. Four murders is enough. That is too much for one area. I lost my son less than two months ago and I don't want to see another mother go that way because its not easy burying your son. So if we could avoid it, let us do it together.
School closes this Friday, we have the vigil on Sunday. Let us keep peace. I am asking all mothers in this area and nationwide, let us come together, meet, and let us do something. The politicians won't do it. We have to come together now."
Keith Swift,
Why did you decide to take it to the streets?
Therese Felix,
"Well for me, like I said my died less than two months ago, sitting down and talking won't do anything. You have to do something and show them you want to do something."
Sunday's march leaves from the Wilton Cumberbatch Field at 6:30 in the evening. It will travel through the city's principal streets and end at the Yabra field. A short rally will follow. If you want to attend Therese says to bring a candle and be on time.
