Now, aside from rallying against crime and violence in the country, UB students are also standing up against crime on the University campus. Several students have been victims of aggravated robberies and assault as they walk to and from their classes. The President of the National Student Union discussed their demands to ensure safety of students on the UB campus and on other University campuses.
Student
"Also, I think it was Thursday night when we were organizing this event right here at UB in the night time right around 7pm, 2 students were harassed and they almost got robbed. Luckily they ran away and they got away. So right there and then its confirm, we need to do something now. So everyone got more motivated as well."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"Where did that happened? that attempted robbery and assault?"
Student
"Between RC building and the George Price Center. That walkway there. It doesn't have lights and stuff like that, so we want to push that part of the practical solution that we can suggest to the president and the government as well."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"What are some of those practical solutions, apart from the lights? Could you give us a brief overview of what the specific message is that you guys are sending?"
Student
"The theme of this event is peace. We are demanding peace and some practical solutions would be more lighting as I say, and also we want more security here at on campus to patrol the dark areas especially. Not where the lights are, but more areas that are prone for robbery. Also our long term goal would be a fence. UB needs a fence. A lot of little alleys around here where people could just walk through - use it as a road. Nothing is wrong with it, but it's the kind of people who comes in and stuff like that. It needs to get started. We might not benefit, but our kids would come here and need to start it now."
"The union just started this week. It was in the minds of several students for the past year. However, we plan to unite all tertiary institutions in Belize. It's a national student union, but as it relates to this event we want to sit with students from different institutions and ask them more about what our safety concerns at their campus as well. After that we are looking to write a letter to the ministry of national security and of course urging the ministry of finance as well to help us, not only UB, but the overall campuses throughout Belize - help them with security and safety and stuff like that."
Student
"I want you guys to know that how no matter how little the group, no matter how small you feel, when you come together we can end this violence and we can change Belize. We need to stop telling ourselves that we are too young and we can't do it. We can and we will do it if we put our minds to it."
UB students say this is only the beginning of their peace movement.
