7 News Belize

Students Contemplate Going To ICJ
posted (November 9, 2018)
Earlier this week we told you about the ICJ education forum for teachers and principals. Well, another one was held today at the University of Belize. It is part of the Department of Youth Services' National Youth Week. The department partnered with UB's History club which was launched a couple weeks ago. We were there to find out more about the discussion.

Aida Escobar- Communications Officer, Dept. of Youth Services
"This morning we collaborated to host an ICJ youth forum. We are trying to give youths the history. We wanted to give them the ICJ court process; how it works. We wanted to talk to them about that because, at least, I thought it was like a family court system and I think they think that too and it is interesting to find out that it is a completely different system. We also want to talk about how it is affecting Belize, this entire ICJ dispute. It is affecting negatively, possibly some good things, I am not sure. We are going to be hearing about that. The last two presenters are going to be, one of them is a young lady that is very passionate on why we should not go to court and the last one is a young man who is passionate on why we should go. So, it is all of the facts, different sides, so that the young people can, for themselves, have a little more information to decide for next year's voting."

April Martinez- History Lecturer, UB
"We have been discussing this in our history department for a really long time. This particular subject is very sensitive and as history majors we try to inform the rest of the university that are not history majors and we try to get them as involved as possible and even in our general core subject- Belizean history- we try to implement it. And I know the English majors here at UB also have to do it as a part of their program, as well. So, it is a very highly intense topic and it is pretty much talked about here at the compound."

As you saw, the UB Jaguar auditorium was packed with 4th formers from 12 high schools as well as university students. We spoke to a couple high school students to find out what exactly they learned from the presentations.

Madelene Lopez- Belize Christian Academy
"I am very excited to learn about this because before I didn't really know much about it. You know, our young people today don't want to be involved in this but we are the future generation of this country and I believe that we should all be informed about this and I really enjoy that I am here and because I am in the class of fourth form it helps me to choose what topic I want to choose for an SBA. So, I really want to be informed about this and how it affects us and the disadvantages of it. So, I think it is a really good thing that we are here."

Courtney Weatherburne- Reporter
"Based on the information you gathered here today what is your opinion. What is your take on it?"

Kayleigh Witty- Belmopan Comprehensive School
"Honestly I feel like it is a lot to take in and I need to sleep on it and discuss with everybody whom I trust and who are educated in that field. That way I can make my decision with the knowledge that I need."

Courtney Weatherburne
"As it relates to the ICJ presentation, more about the ICJ, what specific points did you learn that you didn't know before, based on that presentation?"

Kayleigh Witty
"I didn't even know where the ICJ was and so, I learnt about the structure and you know, the steps they take in making decisions, all the people involved in the managerial staff and what we have to offer and what Guatemala has; and also, what we can take to them."

Courtney Weatherburne
"So, this was certainly an educational, very informative, experience for you?"

Kayleigh Witty
"Yes mam."

Aida Escobar- Communications Officer, Dept. of Youth Services
"I believe this is so important because even our young people that maybe can't vote next year, this is history, they are living it now, they are living the moment."

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize