The day aims to bring back the old-fashioned, Gales-Point-style Easter
The Day of Healing will travel out of the city to Gales Point, Manatee, to revamp the old-fashioned Easter activities of yesteryear in Gales Point. The 11th Day of Healing activities will be held from 9:00 a.m. in the morning until 5:00 in the evening on Holy Saturday, April 19, in Gales Point.
Perry “Stickz” Smith, the director of the Day of Healing, a registered non-governmental and non-profit organization in Belize, said that presently the traditions that used to enliven Manatee at Easter Time have all become dormant, and the Day of Activities aims to revive those traditions, including the Sanbai drums and dance.
Smith said that Myrna Manzanarez and Samiyyah Andrewin, both of whom are originally from Manatee, will be assisting in organizing the events.
According to Smith, three buses will be traveling to Gales Point to transport individuals who want to go and enjoy the Holy Saturday in the village, but they must book their seats in advance. The ride to and from the village will be free.
Smith said that as usual, there will be food, drinks and refreshments, which will be free of charge. Also, there will be local entertainers to entertain the crowd, such as Positive Vibes and Barbie. There will also be games for children and older people, and trophies will be presented to the winners
Those who attend will be returned to the city at the conclusion of the event, at about 5:00 in the evening.
Smith said that donations are requested to ensure the success of the event. Funds are needed to pay for the buses, to purchase trophies, to buy food and drinks, and to meet other expenses.
The Day of Healing has an account at the Evangel Credit Union, located in the Nazarene High School Compound in the city, and donations can be inputted to this account. Those who wish to contribute can also contact Smith at 601-2342, Myrna Manzanarez at 623-8278, or Samiyyah Andrewin at 623-7493.
Smith reminds those who have already experienced the Day of Healing in their communities to come out wearing their Day of Healing shirt to show support of, and solidarity with, the effort at Gales Point.