Red's the official color for Valentine's Day and the camera happy UDP City Council couldn't make this celebration of their party color pass without getting an event in. But today it wasn't the politicians, instead the City Council staff set up a one day feeding program and we were there in Battlefield Park to part-take.
Laura Esquivel, City Councilor
"We are out here to give back love to the people who are forgotten on Valentine's Day, that is the homeless and the mentally challenged."
And never more resplendent in red than on this Valentine's Day, Mayor Zenaida Moya greeted the guests.
Zenaida Moya, Mayor of Belize City
"So I hope the food will go down well and I see a couple familiar faces and I just want to say to have a wonderful day, its Valentine's Day and it is my birthday and it is a wonderful day and so happy Valentine's Day and you guys have a wonderful day."
And her guests on this year lined up in a long row finding scarce shade from the midday sun. They would share in boxfuls of turkey dinners with a side of juice. Quite a spread and it was all put together by City Hall Staff.
Laura Esquivel,
"It is actually a complete employee supported event. We actually did not go out and beg anybody for this."
And there would be no begging in the park either, the Mayor handed out the food herself to all comers. It was a chowdown in Battlefield Park where even needy children got in the giving while some packed a meal or two for later. Harry Longsworth ate his lunch under the shade, its not everyday he gets this and he's thankful.
Harry Longsworth, Served
"Thankful we got it for the day, thankful we got it for one day."
Jules Vasquez,
You're happy for just the day.
Harry Longsworth,
"Yeah but we would like to get more by us people out here getting work."
But while there was goodwill in abundance, what happens when it's not Valentine's?
Alfonso Noble,
We only see you around when these special little occasions come around and these people are here everyday, 24 hours a day living under the same conditions, basically in neglect and destitution.
Laura Esquivel,
"Well I see your point. I'd like to let you know that we are working with the Mental Health Association and with a Mennonite group right now to try and find a location. Well we already have a location for the Mental Health Association to put up an office where they can be providing medication that is much needed to help some of these people get back on their feet."
And while it's not everyday - for these people living on the margins every single day is a struggle.
Woman #1,
"Some days I don't eat none at all. Life is rough and tough."
Alfonso Noble,
If you didn't get this food, you would have eaten today?
Woman #1,
"I would have waited out here until someone gave me something."
And while this queue is not a for a polling booth - if anyone took a poll in the park at noon today, the council's approval rating at just about one year in office would be high. Check tomorrow though, when these same folks have to eke out a living off the slender mercies of the city without pity and it's gonna be another story.
Approximately 150 plates of food were handed out today.
