“Bring Back the Millions” Protest Targets Briceño Government
According to Opposition Leader, Tracy Panton, about two thousand Belizeans took to the streets of Belize City this morning in a peaceful anti-corruption protest. That figure has now become a point of contention as it is being disputed. Some say that the figure is much closer to about five hundred individuals.
The movement turned public frustration over the Ministry of Defense procurement scandal into a direct challenge for the Briceño administration.
It was organised by the United Democratic Party and drew a mix of party supporters and members of the public before ending at Battlefield Park.
Protesters carried placards that read “Bring Back the Millions,” “Wi Tiaad ah di corruption,” “Todos Robamos” and “Tax Payers Money Stolen.”
“Well, you have not seen the situation report for police, who said that their number accounts for two thousand people. So, your information is definitely not correct,” Panton said. She added, “Today’s message is that Belize will stand together and stand against corruption on steroids. What has been placed into the public domain so far is just the tip of the iceburg.”
Former KHMHA Workers Union President Andrew Baird was also present, branding the party’s banner. He said placing public officials on administrative leave is not enough. “I think more decisive action needs to be taken by the prime minister. We cannot be satisfied with people to be placed on paid leave, and expect that the public would be okay with such action.”
He demanded that the cabinet-benched minister Oscar Mira be “relieved of their duties as ministers completely until the investigation reveals that they are not guilty of any wrongdoing.”
Meanwhile, not everyone in attendance identified with the UDP. One protester said, “”Every Belizean supposed to come out and exercise their right. I want to tell the Government, stop cover unu sins with the PUDP sins. When you were on the opposition you had solution for everything, now stand up and complete what you promised.”
Today’s protest stayed peaceful, largely because agitator Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett kept UDP supporters in check, for now. “It is a peaceful protest today. There is no need for violence,” he said, adding, “The time will come if the PUP refuse to listen. At the next protest, if the PUP refuse to give up on these corrupt hustling and thing, we will create havoc and we will shut down the country.”
Panton had a clear message to the Briceño administration. She said, “They would be foolish not to listen to the voices of the people. Because they did not get there on their own. It was the people who gave them a mandate, and they have betrayed the mandate of the people, and the people have had enough.”