NEAB Calls for Police Action Over Viral Carnival Video

Meanwhile, the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) is calling for police action over the viral video recorded during the Independence Day Carnival in Orange Walk. The association alleges that the footage shows a child being drawn into sexually suggestive behaviour involving adults during the parade.  NEAB describes the incident as abusive and says it is the second time in three years that a child has been placed in a similar situation at a public carnival celebration. It wants the Ministries of Education, Culture and Tourism to set firm boundaries for future events. The association is also calling for police officers assigned to carnival parades to be briefed in advance and ready to intervene when a child is placed in an inappropriate situation.  The call follows a proposal from the Belize Council of Churches for a dress code and clearer standards of behaviour at carnival events. That proposal drew strong reactions from the public and some government ministers.  Church Senator Reverend Louis Wade Jr. has also weighed in. In a Facebook post, Wade called the debate a clash of values. He said the freedom people expect at carnival cannot excuse inappropriate conduct involving children. He also rejected online comments suggesting the child knew what was happening or that parental permission would make the conduct acceptable. Wade says adults must stop treating such behaviour as harmless fun.

Wade is also urging the Government to take a more active role before the next carnival. He says clear expectations and safeguards must be in place before the parade begins, rather than waiting for another video to circulate afterward.

Wade is calling on the public to speak out, even if they face criticism online.