If you're going to be in the downtown area of Belize City tomorrow, expect major traffic delays because there's going to be a block party in the Bliss parking lot on Regent Street. 3,000 youths are expected and they'll be there for the formal launch of UNICEF's non-violence Youth XChange Program. The show's headliner, soca sensation Machel Montano arrived yesterday but organizers say there will be much more to the all day festival. Marleni Cuellar says the youths will be partying for change.
Marleni Cuellar,
"It is the public launch for the Xchange movement in Belize City. We have Machel Montano who came in yesterday who'll be the headlining performance at the end of the day. We have the day full of performances with local artists, dancers, drummers, poets, its going to be full of activities. We're going to be blocking off the streets, we're claiming our space, and its completely free for all to attend, as long as you come with a clean heart and willing to share some positive messages and positive vibes with people.
Most people are tired of this situation right now and are ready and willing to see a change within Belize. So if you want to be a part of the movement that is about positive changes within Belize, you should be out there tomorrow."
[Clip of Machel Montano Performance from 1998 at City Center]
Keith Swift,
For somebody who wants to come and just see Machel Montano perform, what would you say to them?
Marleni Cuellar,
"Well Machel is a great performer, it's understandable that some people will just want to come and see him but within that alone, Machel has a deep connection with what Xchange is all about and this something that he is so passionate about, that he even displays within his performance. So if he is what they come out for, there is no escaping it, its all about positivity, you'll feel it in everything we do tomorrow."
Keith Swift,
So come for Machel and stay for the positive vibes.
Marleni Cuellar,
"They'll come and see Machel but they'll get positive vibes everywhere they go. This is going to be a full day of entertainment. Of course the music and everything won't contain any kind of profanity or anything like that, it'll be about positive messages, it'll be fun, it'll something you can dance to, something that you can catch the vibes and really have a great time."
The party starts at 9 am and ends at 6 pm and again entrance is free.
