An overwhelming group of San Pedro residents marched down the streets of San Pedro leaving a clear message, that they want to bring back peace and safety to their homes. The rally took place on Thursday, March 13, 2014, and commenced at Central Park where over 1,000 men, women, elementary school children, high school teenagers, junior college students, and other residents of San Pedro convened to listen to powerful speeches from citizens of the Island community.
Speakers included renown personalities like Dr. Javier Zuniga, Emcee Angel Nunez, Raphael Torres of San Pedro Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI), Kristina Romero of National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), Miss San Pedro Solani Graniel, Councilor Kenrick Brackett, Area Rep. Manuel Heredia, and mother and brother of the recently murdered victim Jeffrey Eiley.
Manuel Heredia Jr.
Dr. Javier Zuniga
Raphael Torres of San Pedro Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI)
The messages all revolved around one theme – “We want to save San Pedro and bring back peace and safety.”
– As long as the guns keep making noise, we will also make more noise until the authorities listen to our cries.
– We want guns removed from our community.
– We want criminals and ruthless people removed from our streets.
– We demand a functional hospital with 24-hour service and emergency personnel and equipment as well as an ambulance. (Editor’s note: Whatever happened to the ambulance donated for San Pedro by St Matthew’s Medical School in San Pedro?)
These were all the sentiments of those invited to speak during the rally.
It was a lively, emotional and highly vociferous rally organized by Nathalie Arceo, cousin of shooting victim Jeffrey Eiley and by Kristina Romero of NDACC. Well organized and extremely well attended, not even a light rain could wet the high spirits or the energy at the Central Park. In fact, the cries from the sky only served to accentuate the cries of the people who are determined to take back San Pedro.
Shootings bring consequences. Lack of action from our leaders will also bring consequences. The battle cry by the community shall be “Footprints for Peace”. In order to get PEACE, Ambergris Caye residents declare WAR against all forms of violence. The anti-crime rally is the first of events that will be organized by Footprints for Peace. The group will get together for future events, rallies and movements to push the community leaders to fight against crime.
Children of Island Academy attended the Rally
Children singing along with Susana Eiley to Bob Marley’s “One Love”
Children from Isla Bonita Elementary School attended the Anti-Crime Rally
Susana addressing the crowd and thanking them for a well attended Anti-Crime Rally
Francis Eiley read his poem for Jeffrey
Right before the rally two rainbows appeared to show Jeffrey’s presence
Mr. Norman Eiley feeling the presence of his son Jeffrey as he admired the two rainbows before the rally
