Orange Walk Volunteers Honour George Price With Community Cleanup

Students, teachers and community volunteers in Orange Walk marked National Service Day on Saturday with a clean-up at the Banquitas House of Culture.  National Service Day is observed every September 19 in memory of the Right Honourable George Cadle Price, who died on that date in 2011. The day encourages Belizeans to honour the Father of the Nation through community service, a principle that guided much of Price’s life and work.  Saturday’s activity was organised by New Hope High School in partnership with the Optimist Club 501 Belize Northern Region.  Miriam Paz, Vice President and Director of the Optimist Club’s Northern Region, told Love News that the clean-up was meant to honour Price’s legacy through action. It also encouraged young people to become more involved in caring for their communities.

New Hope High School’s Belizean Studies teacher, Naomi Sylviana, said the clean-up was about more than improving the surroundings of the House of Culture. It also gave students a practical lesson in civic responsibility and the part they can play in building the country.

Organisers hope the initiative will become an annual National Service Day activity and eventually attract more schools, organisations and community groups.  The clean-up was one of several activities held across the country in remembrance of Price, who led Belize to Independence and repeatedly promoted service as part of nation-building