And today the Ministers of Youth and of Home Affairs spoke on the tragic murders of the teen and the little boy. Both of them expressed their sadness and agreed that more has to be done to protect children from this kind of violence. But it is ultimately those wielding the weapons who have to put them down.
Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Youth
"I was saddened this morning when I saw the news on social and on LoveFM, in terms of the passing of the 9 year old guy and I understand that the 18 year old had already passed. It saddens us. I mean it could be anybody's children. We need to stop this. innocent young men are dying, children are dying, because of reckless behavior and I really as the minister of youth I really want to offer my condolences, but I want to also plea to our young people, let's get up and make a difference. Let us turn a page and become each other's support instead of hating eating each other, let us work together. I am pretty sure we can do this. This country is small. Most of us know each other and we can make a difference. I am appealing to the parents, the caretakers, the guardians of these young people, talk to your children, give them positive things, read the bible to them, explain to them values of life. These are things are very critical."
Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"As Minister Bernard mentioned in his opening comments, that's something that we only were informed right here sitting at the head table, very regrettable and speaks volumes to where we've come as a nation in the loss of life of some many of your young people. I do know that they do have a person I think detained already. Police are investigating that very aggressively and again, very regrettable that we are losing our young people to violent crime like this."
Since July, 5 minors have been killed by gunshots in Belize - but Jamir is the youngest.
