Union protests are peaceful
It was not the scene that many people expected but the tension inside the House was probably greater than that among those who demonstrated outside. While the protesters were orderly, they were also determined.
Compared to the last demonstration on the steps of the national assembly building, today?s protest was a low key affair. But the placards and banners carried by the union protestors screamed their messages loud and clear.
Newly anointed member of the Public Service Union Executive Zenaida Moya says they will keep the Musa administration under manners.
Zenaida Moya, Counsellor, P.S.U.
?Well first of all one we will continue with our consistent pressure, with consistent demonstrations, informing this government that it needs to deal with the serious issues that are facing this country. Tax is clearly are only just one issue. The persistent loans that continue to be made, the different deals that often times we only hear about it is brought up in the media. We will continue being consistent in ensuring that the government hears that we are serious about reform, equity in tax system.?
President of the Energy Workers Union Mark Butler says once government demonstrates it is willing to seriously address the issues raised by the unions, the protests will stop.
Patrick Jones
?Do you think that the government is getting the message that you are trying to send to them??
Mark Butler, President, Energy Workers Union
?Well brother, deep down in my heart I hope they are getting the message. All what I am saying from morning, from the initial stage is that the government, whichever government, they just need to listen to the people. In the future to come they just need to listen to the people. We?ve been seeing this all over.?
The protestors were kept in place by barbed wire barricades erected long before their arrival on the scene. Moya says the unions are considering all their options on how best to bring the government to heel and nothing has been ruled out.
Zenaida Moya
?We will continue with the strength that comes from social partners.?
Patrick Jones
?Do you all want this government removed??
Zenaida Moya
?Well first of all we are in talks with National Trade Union Congress of Belize, business community and the people of Belize. That?s what a number of regular people telling us need to happen. National Trade Union Congress of Belize has not made decisions as it relates to that. But I will say that there is extreme pressure coming from the supporters, rank file workers out there. Even the regular person out there who is not even a part of the union is telling us we will continue supporting unions but this stance of protesting is not enough. We need to go further.?
When the unionists tried to get into the house, they were met with some resistance by security officers. However, with the intervention of Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber, they were able to make it into the gallery in time to witness the end of the day?s session.
When their permit to demonstrate ran out, the protestors, numbering in the hundreds, headed back to their busses and returned to their respective destinations ensuring that there would be no repeat of the February confrontation when a number of protestors were dragged away by police. Patrick Jones, for News 5.
