UDP Calls on Belizeans to March Against Briceño Administration

The UDP says it is done talking and is ready to take its frustration to the streets. On Friday, the party plans to lead a demonstration through Belize City, calling on Belizeans to join them in protest against the Briceño administration. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the march is about more than politics. She points to the Ministry of Defense scandal, rising crime and violence, and the high cost of living as issues that should concern every household. According to Panton, the moment demands action, and she is urging citizens to show up and make their voices heard.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“I think what has been in the public domain so far has been just the tip of the iceberg and there is more information unfolding and I think the prime minister’s attempt to be dismissive of the information that is in the public’s domain is deeply disconcerting. It has to be addressed in my view by an independent and forensic audit, not only on those ministries and department that we now have information. But it is a systemic infraction in terms of the system and we cant normalize corruption. And while the UDP is leading this protest, march and rally, this is a call to action by all Belizeans to come out, to bring some greater visibility to the issues we are facing. To be able to express our views on this matter whether you are members of the union, civil society, the churches, we invite every ordinary citizen to join us. This is not just a political rally.”

 

The demonstration is expected to begin in front of the UDP Headquarters, where protestors will make their way to the Battlefield Park in downtown Belize City.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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