7 News Belize

A Champion Of Workers’ Rights Restored
posted (September 22, 2010)
Belize city's historic Battlefield Park has gotten a slight makeover.

Today the city council unveiled a renovated memorial which pays tribute to firebrand Labor rights agitator, Antonio Soberanis, and cut the ribbon to open a newly constructed bandstand, built by the Hans-Nandini Bhojwani Foundation.

The Mayor along with a slew of other dignitaries, including Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh, poured praise on the national hero who made Battlefield park famous, and spoke of the historical significance of the park, dating as far back as 1915.

Zenaida Moya, Mayor of Belize City
"It's significant to the Salvation Army as well because back then in 1913 we move back from 1638 now to 1915 when the Salvation arrive in Belize they started having meetings right here, so imagine that, they were just here and they use to sing a song "I'm on the battlefield for my Lord" and that's where we had the word battlefield coming from and in 1934 and 1935 this same battlefield became a meeting place for labor activist Antonio Soberanis and his labors and unemployed association, he form that association and they were fighting for employment and better pay for workers right here and it later became a rallying place for the political factions of our country."

Retiring Chief Justice, Abdulai Conteh spoke of the symbolism of the bust of Soberanis facing the country's Supreme Court of Justice.

Abdulai Conteh, Chief Justice
"I want to expressly hope that he wave every January when he splits the parade and takes the salute at the formal opening of the Supreme Court. He will continue to reciprocate the days of Mr. Soberanis statue with a silent assurance that the Supreme Court and indeed the entire justice system will administer justice to the fairs and anxieties of not only the labor movement but of the entire people of Belize."

The bust was replaced on a new stand donated by the Insurance Corporation of Belize. The Bandstand, says Mayor Moya was built with the purpose of attracting tourists to the downtown area, and creating a venue where families can visit and enjoy spiritual, cultural and social events.

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

7 News Belize