They say Belize is the city without pity as those on the fringes are treated the worse. That includes the ill, the socially displaced and the aged. For proof, just within the last month a man was charged for robbing a resident of the Sister Cecilia home for the elderly. Well today the forty residents at the home got a treat from some people you might not expect to spend an afternoon with senior citizens. Keith Swift has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
As they were serenaded by live music, residents at the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly moved whatever body part they could: some tapped their hands, others moved their feet, a few bobbed their heads, this woman clapped while 69 year old William Flores just couldn't stay in his seat.
William Flores, Sister Cecilia Resident
"As you can see I am enjoying myself. I love music because I play music and I sing music."
The music came courtesy the Wesley High School steel band but they were just playing back up to the school's Girl Guides Club. Thirty members were present and Joan Tillet is the troupe's leader.
Joan Tillet, Wesley College
"The month of February is celebrated as Guides month and we are to find something to do within our community and we chose to do it this time at Sister Cecilia. They each have brought little gifts that they will give them, fruit baskets and arrangements, and then they will mix with the residents and speak with them to find out something about the elders who are here and other ways in which we can help when we come back again."
And that says Tillet is what this afternoon was all about, fraternizing: these teenagers talking, laughing, and even dancing with these seenagers. Seenagers like William Flores who is actually blind.
William Flores,
"Its great that they are here and I appreciate it. I like activities."
Oliesha Myles, Wesley College Girl Guide
"Some people just come to Sister Cecilia Home and they are afraid of the old people so I am glad I can come and have fun with them."
Happiness, in the words of these teenagers and on the faces of these seenagers.
You can catch the Wesley steel band in concert later this month.
