Community concern over the recent spate of domestic violence that has resulted in the death of three women - and the serious wounding of many more - continues to grow. Today the mantle of activism was hoisted by students at St. Catherine's Academy who led an anti-domestic violence march. The theme for the march was "Stop the madness, end the sadness" and we were there.
Keith Swift Reporting,
With their hands held in a tight grip - this morning domestic abuse survivors Lorna Wade and Delvorine Duhaney led a protest against domestic violence in Belize City. At its start this morning on Marine Parade - the protest stretched for two full blocks. It was organized and led by students from St. Catherine's Academy but had delegates from most high schools in the city. Kaila Arnold is SCA's student body president.
Kaila Arnold, SCA Student Body President
"The march is significant, it is a cry against everything that has happened so far. It really matters to us because as you know SCA is an all girls school and the girls today will be the women and mothers of tomorrow. So it is really important because we want the girls to just to know that domestic violence can happen to anyone. It is something that is happening and it is not something that we can close our eyes to and sit back and pretend that it is not there because it can happen to anyone and most likely these girls know someone who is being abused."
And to get that message across - students like Tanisha Schmidt made posters.
Tanisha Schmidt, SCA Student
"We were supposed to do it in class so we just thought of something to do and we did it...I think that many women these days are silent and I think that they should be wiser than that. They should know that they are the ones that uplift the world and they should talk."
Sherrill Stuart meanwhile composed a poem.
Sherrill Stuart, SCA Student
[Excerpt from her poem] "It is like a cycle. He hits her tonight and sends her flowers tomorrow. But remember it is a cycle so days from then she experiences the same sorrow. Why she chooses to stay, no one really knows. Why does she give this relationship room to grow? If he really loves, he would never intentionally hurt her."
But most students didn't have poems or even a poster - all they had was a message. One student who had a strong one is 18-year-old Eckert Yorke who attends St. Michael's College.
Eckert Yorke, St. Michael's College
"Men killing their wives, they don't even deserved to be called a man. They don't deserve to be called a man if they are killing their wives and stabbing them up and all kind of things like that."
But that's just words - these students want action and that's why they marched.
And while women's rights activist marched this morning, this evening a prayer service was be held at St. Mary's Church. Collection will be taken at the service to give to the family of the victims. We also remind you about dub poet Ryzden Clare's similarly themed candlelight vigil scheduled for tomorrow night beginning at 6 pm in the park next to the City Center.
