Belizeans interviewed on the ICJ
The Belizean Howler monkey
Belizeans interviewed on the ICJReported by Justin M. Vera, Media Correspondent, Belize
Today at 9:00 A.M. a reporter went out into the busy streets of Benque Viejo Del Carmen to ask local residents about the International Court of Justice, the speculations, controversy and resentment, felt toward the court and the upcoming referendum. This all in attempt to inform you, the reader, about issues facing this nation and you, today.
June 19, 2018 was a historic day for many Benqueños, this media correspondent took to the streets and asked several questions to the general public. Many people were interviewed, their religious, economic and political views set aside, and they were asked questions that pertained to the future of their country.
Several people were asked if a qualified person has explained to them what a referendum was, shockingly all answered no. Not a single individual had been taught anything. One would think that it would be reflected in their answers, and the confidence with which they answered, but it was not the case. The Benqueños answered confidently and coherently with what little knowledge they had acquired.
When asked if they were planning to participate in the referendum by voting, everyone answered with a confident and resounding “yes”. One, Mr. Hernan Contreras, even continued by saying, “It is a delicate issue, we need to settle it in the ICJ, I need to vote.
The public was also asked “How familiar they were with the ICJ referendum issue in Belize?” The answers varied from: “I know we need to go out, but my vote is not yet sure.” And, “not that much,” or, “I have heard a lot from Don Hector Silva on his Facebook page.” Whilst others say: “Not so much, I know we have to read.”
The follow-up question to that was, “Do you know what the function of the International Court of Justice is? Please elaborate.” At the very mention of the name of the court, some faces looked confused, so the more common reference had to be dropped in, the “ICJ”. Although this was not the case, many did not instantaneously know what the ICJ stood for. Based on that then how can they know what the place does?
However the interviews continued, and another question arose throughout the interviews, “Where have you been getting your information from?” Now this to some will seem alarming, of all those interviewed, fifty percent (50%) got information regarding the ICJ from both reading and hearing sources, thirty-three point three three percent (33.33%) got their information from media such as Facebook, and an alarming sixteen point six seven percent (16.67%) got their information from written resources such as newspapers, and official government publications.
The saddest note in all of this is that despite these interviews were conducted with people that came from different backgrounds, social, educational, even religious. The interviews were even done at various locations, yet everyone answered the same for this one question…“Are Belizeans adequately informed?” Every last one of the interviewees agreed and gave the unanimous…NO.
Why it is that Belizeans have this negative attitude is bewildering. Well, it really is not. In fact, this attitude sets us apart as a society, we are inquisitive, we do not conform, we do not satisfy. The reason that everyone said no is that they are not thinking about themselves, but about others.
The last matter that remains is, you. How would you have responded? Are you aware of the facts? If you are, I commend you, if not, begin today, the polls are yet to be opened, there is still time, research, read and vote. Voice your choice, keep in mind this choice will be for you and your children.
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