In the wake of the fatal shooting of gang leader Brandon Baptist at the Marion Jones Sports Complex, Football Federation of Belize (FFB) President Sergio Chuc has issued a heartfelt call for unity and action to prevent violence from overshadowing the sport.
“A shootout at the Marion Jones Complex resulted in several people being injured. A placement for unity was struck with fear and grief,” Chuc stated. He expressed deep condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by what he described as a “meaningless act of savagery.”
Chuc said that the FFB remains committed to uplifting youth and providing positive alternatives. He announced the expansion of programs aimed at reaching over 3,000 at-risk youths, including Goals Before Gangs and Not Impossible Because She Is Possible. However, he stressed that programs alone are not enough, urging parents, mentors, coaches, and community leaders to work together to teach children that violence is never the answer.
He said, “But programs alone are not enough. With the combined efforts of parents, mentors, coaches, and community leaders, we can teach our children violence is never the answer, and that their lives are important. Let this be a turning point.”
“Let us commit to ensuring that football remains a safe space for all Belizeans. Today, we mourn, but tomorrow we must act.”
He assured grieving families that the FFB stands with them and vowed that the federation will continue working to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
