They were the ones who pushed the envelope of civil disobedience unto the desk of history two weeks (See Students March on P.M. Drive) ago. We're talking about SJC and UB students led by Moses Sulph who carried out a bold protest and student recruitment on Princess Margaret Drive. It started as a march but the day became historic when the university students marched down Princess Margaret Drive, calling high school students out of class to join in. They ended up in front of the Prime Minister's house and hours later, it all ended with a symbolic sit-in on Belcan Bridge which blocked rush hour traffic and sent the city into chaos.
Since the protest and especially after the looting that followed in downtown Belize City, which everyone agrees had nothing to do with the original student's protest, they have been quiet, especially after the arrest of student activist Moses Sulph. That changed today when the students made public their plans to continue the movement that they started two weeks ago. The student leaders today claimed they have been repeatedly intimidated and harassed by police. They however are not deterred and today announced the formation of a coalition of tertiary level students to continue the fight.
Marissa Longsworth, SJC JC Student President Designate
"The intimidation inflicted on youths in the last couple of weeks has mentally, and in some cases, physically affected the youths of Belize."
Rensi Franklin, SJC JC Student President
"I don't see why people insist on claiming that we do not know what we want or why we do what we do or that we are politically motivated in some way or somehow manipulated by higher powers. I just wanted to clarify that this is not so and the individuals who think that we are senseless beings are about to get a rude awakening. We are the ones who are going to inherit the disruption of and the terrible state in which the country is heading. If no one takes a united stand, we will continue to be abused and our country will continue to be raped of all its assets. We the next working generation demand that the government work for the people and not for their own personal gain; that is the major cry. So as their advocate I plead and personally beg the government to do what is right. Do the right thing, please."
Andre Salgado, SJC JC Student Vice-President Designate
"We as students are well educated and we don't need to be motivated as we can clearly see what is happening and where our country, our jewel, is heading."
Rensi Franklin,
"Many people imply we students don't know what we are doing and basically they're painting us to seem as cave people or trolls for the most part, that we don't know anything. Now what I want to say is how is it possible for people to expect tertiary level students to be stupid. What is the purpose of them being in the institution in the first place and how does Belize's future look if we are, as certain people say, we are?"
Marissa Longsworth,
"One of the actions we the youths intend to do is to begin a positive and constructive group in order to have an input in the improvement in all aspects of Belizean society for the upcoming generations. Hence we would like to announce the intent to form the National Association of Tertiary Level Students also known as NATS."
Moses Sulph, UB Student President
"We still stand firm and believe that at this time there are things that can alleviate the continued situation and debt that our country is in if those in charge would put the necessary reforms and measures in place. We decided that as young people we have to unite together because no matter what institution we go to, whether it be John's, UB, Wesley, Corozal Junior College, Muffles, we are the ones who will be beneficiaries of all the tax and all the amount of money will have to pay back in the future. So we realize the depth of the situation and we know that if we don't stand up now and do something about it and voice our dissatisfaction then it will continue."
The student leaders say they have not asked for the government's resignation since that is not their place. They are right now on a membership drive. Membership to the National Association of Tertiary Level Students is open to all tertiary level students.
