Perry “Sticks” Smith, in collaboration with Jerome “Peel Off” Mejia, will conduct the 5th edition of the Day of Healing and Candlelight Vigil at the Yabra Green from 9:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening on Saturday, October 26. It will be a family day that will include sporting activities and competitions.

Smith said that the objective of the Day of Healing is to engage the residents of the Belize City “Southside” to work together in an atmosphere of positivity to take back and own their communities for the benefit of the youths and other residents. The aim is also to further reduce crime and to inculcate love and appreciation of each other in members of the community.

The candlelight vigil is an effort to remember those whose lives were lost due to senseless violence. Music will be provided to entertain the crowd by local Belizean artists and deejays. Also, in addition to the prizes which will be given to winners of the various competitions, there will be lots of giveaways, and free refreshments.

At 6:00 p.m. in the evening, at the end of the activities on Saturday, October 26, a prayer service will be held, after which a walk in the area with lighted candles will be conducted. The candles will be placed in areas where loved ones were killed, and a short prayer will be said in remembrance of them, after which the crowd will return to the Yabra Green, where prizes will be presented.

Smith said that donations and volunteers are needed to enable them to provide prizes and free refreshments to those who attend the event. Monetary donations will also be needed to pay for fuel used to pick up necessary supplies.

Smith can be contacted at phone numbers 601 – 2344, and Jerome “Peel off” Mejia can be reached at phone number 607- 3030.