Evangelical Association Demands Carnival Accountability
Carnival celebrations are once again under scrutiny after a video from Monday’s road march in Orange Walk sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the protection of children. The Rev. Santie Valencia-led National Evangelical Association of Belize is calling for police action and tougher enforcement, arguing that adults who involve children in sexually suggestive performances should face immediate consequences. The organization says the incident marks the second time in three years that a child has appeared in what it describes as a simulated sexual act during carnival, and it is now challenging authorities to draw a firm line on what is acceptable in public celebrations. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith also spoke about the incident during a police press brief today.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“What I will say is that the issues concerning Carnival or, or the circumstance of Carnival relates to culture, relates to views, relates to morals. It relates to a lot, and it invites a even larger discussion as to what we as a country are willing to accept or embrace. As it relates to your specific question in terms of if the parent is not desirous for actions to be taken, if it can still be taken, any abuse concerning a child, that discretion is not left to the parent to decide whether or not actions should be taken. We have a human services department with social workers and they have a mandate. You would know that in some cases where children are abuses in homes, maybe the mother would say, “I don’t want to press charge against the father.” The father saying, “I don’t want to press charge against the mother.” And that is where human services come in and, and the social worker to give an objective independent, because the best interest of the child is always paramount consideration.”
In their release, the National Evangelizal Assoaciation says, “If there will not be firm boundaries set, terminate it. carnival must be clean u or shut down.”
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