UDP plans major demonstration for Saturday
Five years ago massive public demonstrations were a key part of the People’s United Party’s strategy to unseat the government in power. Now it’s the United Democratic Party’s turn to test the tactic. On Saturday the UDP is organising a march and rally under the theme “Enough is enough–its time to take a stand.” Party leader Dean Barrow says the event is a response to the public’s dissatisfaction with the PUP government.
Dean Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“In particular, the recent Social Security increases, the inordinately burdensome taxation, the sale of Belizean assets, in particular the WASA deal, which has generated a great deal of grassroots opposition as well. So it’s a chance to give people an opportunity to come out and indicate in the strongest possible terms to the government that there are so many things that they’re doing wrong and there are some many issues over which people are entirely dissatisfied.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Looking at how the situation is in terms of the PUP holding the People’s Assembly and now the UDP having this demonstration, is this the start of maybe a larger campaign?”
Dean Barrow
“I think so. The fact is that we too are having our conventions to select our standard bearers this year. We will complete those conventions by the last part of the year, and I think the fact that both parties are having these conventions, signal the start of the campaign. This is it now, the horse are out of the gates and it’s one straight run from here to the general elections.”
“It is going to be a very big crowd. There is no doubt that the sentiment throughout the country is one of disgust at all the things that are happening and we feel that there will be a very good response to the demonstration. I don’t want to make any predictions in terms of actual numbers, but it will be big.”
Saturday’s demonstration begins at 10:00 a.m. in front of the UDP headquarters south of the Bel-China Bridge. The parade will run through the main streets of the city and return to the headquarters site. Motorists should take note that the bridge will be closed to motor vehicles in both directions from 8:30 to 4:00.
