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Where Exactly Is This ICJ Education Campaign?
posted (July 16, 2018)
Elrington made those comments 11 days ago at the launch of the ICJ education campaign. It's supposed to run all the way up to Belize's ICJ referendum in April of next year. That's a little over 9 months away, but the press wondered about the exact form that this public education campaign will take.

There has been an ongoing education campaign, but, as far as we know, there hasn't yet been any kind of mass public forum where all interested Belizeans can participate and get educated on the topic.

So we asked the DPM about that kind of campaign, and he said that the Government will step it up:

Reporter
"When it comes to the education campaign concerning going to the ICJ, where are we with that? Has it started already and how could the public know more about it?"

Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister
"The campaign is ongoing, although we continue to try to find monies to ensure that it is stepped up. I believe we received a contribution from one of the countries that presented credentials to the Governor General this week or late last week it was and the campaign goes on. You see Ambassador Rosado from time to time in country making engagements. I know that he and his team have led these discussions and where the discussions have been made, I will tell you I have seen people make complete turnaround, in terms of their position. When they hear the facts as presented by Ambassador Rosado. When they listen to Ambassador Shoman speak. When they listen to some of the history that is sometimes overlooked with all the passion of the persons who are supporting a no vote. You see that people see where a yes vote is possible and we see gradual movements. But I would agree with you that we do need to step up in terms of that campaign, in terms of getting out the facts and in terms of appealing to Belizeans not to go so much by just your emotions, but rather look at the facts."

"At the end of the day that is what I'd like to say to Belizeans - look at the facts. Don't just join a movement. Just don't jump on the bandwagon. Look at the facts and then you make the determination for yourself."

Reporter
"How exactly will be start to see this ICJ campaign be visible where you can say yes, this is what we've been doing and this is how we've been trying to educate Belizeans on this matter?"

Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister
"This is what we are saying. We need to beef it up. I think it needs to be more on the mainstream media, but it all costs money and that is the big issue. Where are these funds to come from and we continue to try to secure that kind of funding. As I've said a contribution was made just this week and we are hoping that it can be beefed up."

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