We Walk As One Founder Slams Faber’s Remarks on Gabriel’s Tragedy

Brian Guardado, founder of the We Walk As One Foundation, has strongly criticised Patrick Faber for his remarks in the House of Representatives following the tragic death of Gabriel Orellano, a child with special needs who drowned in Belize City.

In a statement, Guardado expressed disappointment over Faber’s dismissive comments regarding the public’s decision to wear blue in support of Gabriel’s cause. He said that every small act of awareness matters and should be encouraged, not ridiculed.

He called out Faber’s tenure as Minister of Education, questioning what real efforts were made to support children with autism and improve institutions like Stella Maris School. “The question that we must all ask ourselves is this: Had the Ministry of Education, under his leadership or any other leadership, addressed the needs of children with autism in a meaningful way, could this tragedy have been prevented? Our children deserve more than rhetoric; they deserve action.”

Before his speech, Faber asked the House for a minute of silence in Gabriel’s memory. He addressed the growing concerns over child safety and school attendance, noting the complex social challenges that contribute to the issue. He noted that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for ensuring children remain in school, the task is far from simple.

Faber acknowledged the School Warden Program, crediting Cordel Hyde for its introduction and affirming that it had been supported throughout the UDP’s 13 years in government. He also pointed to efforts by school management to secure campuses with fences and deploy truancy officers or school liaison officers, tasked with monitoring absentee students and engaging with parents.

However, Faber pushed back against the notion that addressing truancy is a straightforward matter, noting that many parents struggle with economic hardships and multiple dependents. Arresting parents for failing to send their children to school, he argued, could further destabilise families, leaving other children without a guardian.

While recognising recent stakeholder discussions on improving attendance, Faber stressed that systemic issues need to be tackled to create a truly safe and supportive educational environment for Belizean children.