Earlier this week, we showed you 18 Belize City youths who went
For a 5 day, 4 night trek across the a portion of the Pine Ridge forest reserve.
It included a 24 mile walk and lots of bonding for these young
men, many of whom were from rival crews.
They came back today, all in one piece, and feeling peaceful.
Police constable Jeremy McCulloch accompanied them and told
us he feels they did well, but they didn’t eat that well.
PC Jeremy McCulloch, Trek Manager
“We, we divided them into three groups and out of that three groups they had to pick a group leader and when that group leader was responsible for their food so we gave them a bag of ration one for Monday, one for Tuesday, one for Wednesday and one for Thursday. And it was not much. So they would have to make that decision among themselves to prepare breakfast, lunch and supper. And it was not much for them to eat so, they were faced with challenges. I lost some weight myself because we didn’t have much to choose from and I am not a fan of canned food, so it was the same as them. At times they would fight with each other when it comes to the menu, but they had to do it, because they didn’t have a choice.”
Youth who completed Trek
“I learned how to survive when I’m out da bush. I mean, you know getting along with my youths.”
Jacqueline Godwin, 7News
“And how important is that for you, of for youth in general to learn to get along, to learn not to fight with each other.”
Youth who completed Trek
“It’s very good because a lot of us come from different hoods, so to see people form different areas come along and go on a trip, it’s good.”
Jacqueline Godwin, 7News
“So when you come back to your hood, what you plan to do?”
Youth who completed Trek
“I plan to spread the word to my friends you know that they we should do positive, do good.”
Jacqueline Godwin, 7News
“Are you optimistic that once they go back into their old neighborhoods that the situation will calm down?”
PC Jeremy McCulloch, Trek Manager
“I am not going to say no I am not going to say yes. Who am I to say? But, we do hope it works.”
