We haven't heard from Belize's Cultural Ambassador Moses Leviy, better known as Shyne in a while! In fact, after he gave us an extended interview in August of last year, he took off for Europe. Well, now he's returned home and this time, it's with a substantial donation. At a ceremony at the House of Culture this morning Shyne handed over a check for $100,000 dollars. It's a donation from the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein foundation which Shyne secured for three youth oriented programmes: the Belize National Youth Orchestra; the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence Youth Programme and the Belize Youth Apprenticeship Programme. He explained this morning that it's all about the kids:..
Moses Leviy
"This is something that I've always wanted to do as far as handing over these funds. I've been working for the last couple of years since put in a position to do - handing over. I am just grateful to be here because the kids are just like me. A lot of the kids feel that there is no hope, they feel 'what am I going to do,' they feel that they are not born with a silver spoon in their mouth if they don't have the financial means by which to attain the dream life that that's it. That is not the case. It really isn't and I am here to represent that and to champion that - all the kids in the audience, all the kids in Belize and all the kids in the world you guys can accomplish any and everything that you imagine. Gang banging and a life of violence and a life of dormant is not the only option. They are people like me and even greater than me those are here to see you through, here to assist you and here to help you. I believe in you, I believe in Belize and I believe in the kids in Belize and this is why I have done everything I can and could to raise the funds."
Jules Vasquez
"Shine, how important is this as a credibility restoring gesture for you because whether you like it or not, know it or not, a lot of people were doubting on you and feeling that you weren't sincere in your efforts?"
Moses Leviy
"I don't want to focus on the negativity. I think it's important to support the children of Belize. It's important for me to support all Belizeans. I am always talking about Belize and I am always seeing how I could contribute to Belize and this is proof of that and we should just look forward to more because my ambition for Belize is grand. But I rather show you than tell you."
Jules Vasquez
"You feel that you always have to try and prove yourself to Belizean society which has its doubts?"
Moses Leviy
"I don't know if you were noticing, but I don't live my life base on people. I get that alligator skin from my father and my uncle Finnegan. I come from a tough family. I never questioned what I was going to do. The people might have questioned, but that's of no concern. Pessimism and skepticism is a natural human trait but it has no bearing on me or what I am doing because what I am doing is what I am supposed to do. Without all of this and without the camera, without the formalities of it that's what I do - that's what I am as a human being."
Each of the recipients have specific programmes that they will funnel the money into.
Email
Print