Children’s Rally Parade Displays Patriotism Across Belize Despite Controversy

The absence of the students at Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo del Carmen did not put a dent in today’s celebrations as thousands of students across the country took part and paraded throughout the streets in the various districts.  It was a show of patriotism and civic pride. The children’s rally is a mainstay leading up to the annual celebration of the anniversary of Belize’s independence. The parade took place today, as per the traditional schedule of the Friday before Independence Day. Despite controversy stemming from a decision by the BTNU’s Benque branch to sit out the parade, Minister of Education Francis Fonseca says he anticipated that the march will display a high level of patriotism, and he was right.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education: “It’s a wonderful day, I always look forward to that day. Tomorrow I’ll be at the Belize Civic Center joining the young students there. You know, it’s an opportunity for young people, as I said, to demonstrate their love and patriotism for Belize. It’s an opportunity for me to share a brief message with them about, you know, their responsibilities as young citizens and their rights as young citizens, and what you know they are in fact the hope of Belize. So it’s always a great opportunity, a great opportunity to celebrate with these young people and share in their energy and enthusiasm for Belize.”