U.D.P. Stages Protest While House Meets in Belmopan

Earlier today, a throng of U.D.P. protestors gathered in front of the National Assembly for the sitting of the House of Representatives. They attempted to storm past the police blockade outside the House while it was in session. The protestors, led by Leader of the Opposition, Shyne Barrow, said they were there to express their views against the government for things they do not agree with. During the event, U.D.P. officials spoke against issues such as the management of social security monies and other matters that they describe as injustices. Today’s protest, according to the U.D.P., is the beginning of coming attractions. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today, members and supporters of the United Democratic Party attempted to interrupt the sitting of the House of Representatives. The crowd that gathered at the foot of the Assembly Building in Belmopan was there in support of the Leader of the Opposition, Moses Shyne Barrow, who earlier this month called on Belizeans to join in and protest against what he calls a corrupt government. This was the scene outside the House when Barrow descended the stairs to meet the protestors. Shortly after, he addressed the media.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“This is what happens when you have tens of millions of dollars to invest in these shell companies by cronies, and you don’t have money to pay people their social security benefits. I cannot understand how we have tens of millions of dollars to invest in shell companies, but we don’t have the money to give the people.”

The interview was interrupted when the crowd pushed the guard rails and tried to overpower the police. And then Barrow returned to the interview and criticized the government for its recent announcement to borrow money from the Social Security Board.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow

“Even with the loan, not even a loan, I don’t know if it’s a loan, I don’t know if it’s an investment. I don’t know what it is because there’s no transparency. There is no information forthcoming as to what this $20 million investment is, no prospectus. We don’t know if there’s collateral. We don’t know anything about the P.P.P, who the private entity is. We know nothing.”

Today’s protest, according to U.D.P Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, is the start of more action.

Michael Peyrefitte

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P

“This is just, as my father would say, previews of coming attractions. So, we’re just starting to come in. People have to come from further than others and the efforts, there was no real effort. You just, we made the call that we had to have the government hear our voices and people are on board and we’re here.”

Deputy Chairman, Alberto August said they had no fear to stand up against what they thought were injustices.

Alberto August

Alberto August, Deputy Chairman, U.D.P

“We have no problem to go behind bars because we are standing up for the Belizean people. So take us behind bars. We are prepared to do that. We are prepared to sacrifice so that this government gets the message. They can keep us behind bars as long as they want, but we are standing up for the people of this country. The people of this country are taking a licking from this administration.”

The protest did not interrupt the proceedings inside the House. Marion Ali for News Five.