PM to Chamber: “What Did You Expect Us to Do? Send the B.D.F.?”

John Briceño

Lately the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrote to the Government citing recent acts of protest at Tower Hill, and the fact that law enforcement did little to nothing to clear the road block that occurred. The Chamber wrote, “The B.C.C.I. recognizes and celebrates that we live in a democracy where people are free to disagree. However, the concept of civil disobedience and the existence of myriad mechanisms for resolving disputes mean that there is no excuse for violence or illegal acts in support of any point of view. We, therefore, encourage the government to establish clear policies and procedures for guidance in having all relevant government entities—including the police department – uphold the laws of Belize”. We asked the Prime Minister for his response to this letter, and another that came from the agro industry on the same matter.

John Briceño, Prime Minister

“I’m disappointed that they would write such letter because we have had very good working relationships with both the agro-processing groups and the agro producers and the chamber. But, what did they expect us to do? Send the B.D.F.? I mean, beat up people? What did they want us to do? We continue to try to foster the right economic environment. There are going to be hiccups. There are going to be strikes. That’s the right of workers.”