Broaster Takes Rural Central’s Fuel Fight into His Own Hands

With fuel prices continuing to squeeze household budgets, one political figure is stepping in with his own solution. UDP Belize Rural Central caretaker Edward Broaster today rolled out a fuel relief initiative aimed at helping working families cope with rising costs. But beyond the immediate assistance, Broaster says the move is also a direct challenge to government, arguing that more meaningful action is needed to bring lasting relief. Zenida Lanza has that story.

 

Zenida Lanza Reporting,

Drivers across Belize have been feeling the pinch of rising fuel costs, with global tensions pushing oil prices higher. Since April, we’ve seen four hikes at the pump. The government says little can be done given the external forces at play. But UDP caretaker Edward Broaster isn’t waiting on that. Today, he pledged two dollars off every gallon, up to ten gallons, for registered voters in Belize Rural Central.

 

Edward Broaster, UDP Caretaker, Belize Rural Central

“I am glad to provide a little relief to the residents of Belize Rural Central, and as you can see, they’re coming to get their little fuel discount. And I hope that the government will take us serious in terms of reducing the fuel on the Belizean people and stop taxing us and putting the burden on Belizean working class and families of this country and- At the same time giving tax breaks to million dollar companies and so on.”

 

The initiative was scheduled to begin at eight in the morning, but residents were already lining up by seven-thirty. By the time our team arrived, the crowd had thinned, and Broaster’s team was moving quickly through the remaining funds.

 

Edward Broaster

“Looking great. I think we are about down to one-third remaining.”

 

Reporter

“How long do you expect to be here?”

 

Edward Broaster

“Not much longer because as you can see, the people are still coming and we are processing them, and as soon as the funds are depleted, then we will wrap up shop. But all in all, it has been good. The people have been giving us good feedback.”

 

Residents told us the relief might only last a day, but every little bit counted, and many urged the government to take bigger steps.

 

Resident, Belize Rural Central

“Some people would say its just $20. Well it doesn’t really matter, every penny counts. I know that he [Briceno] can’t really do that much about it because it is world-wide, but it will help to just bring it down just a notch. I’m not saying it has to come down a big amount because, like I said it’s the world that’s being affected by this.”

 

Resident, Belize Rural Central

“Right now fuel is so expensive, so if I buy 50, my money-this will help me a lot. Very hectic some days and very expensive with these lot of traffic, you know. Lot of obstacles. They’re working on the highway, you know, and keep burning out our fuel.”

 

Resident, Belize Rural Central

“It’s a little help and every little help counts. Because everyday I have to run some street back there, that cost me a lot of money to fix the vehicle. Nobody fix the street. I think they can cut down a bit on the taxes. If the acquisition cost is high, you can’t help that, but the taxes I sure you can help. Spend the money a bit more wisely.”

 

The turnout even pulled in Belize City residents registered in Ladyville. Family tipped them off, and they made the trip for a shot at cheaper fuel.

 

Resident, Belize Rural Central

“Mr. Broaster is an elected official, and he is part of the government, whether or not they’re in power or not. So I think the initiative is a good one on his behalf. So kudos to him.”

 

Everyone who came had to produce a voter ID, with names and phone numbers recorded on the spot. But Broaster’s team made clear the help was not reserved for party supporters.

 

Resident, Belize Rural Central

“I’m out here with Mr. Edward Broaster, sharing the love. $2 on every gallon of gas up to 10 gallons. BRC residents, come on out. This will be beneficial for all residents of BRC, whether red, blue, black, yellow. This is a Belizean thing. Come on out. You’re feeling the brunt of the gas hike. Come on out. Let us help you just for today. One day, one step at a time.”

 

Beyond the fuel relief, Broaster’s team also had something extra in store, a Mother’s Day raffle for residents.

 

Edward Broaster

“We’ll be raffling a 50-inch television, stove, microwaves, slow cooker, dish sets, pot sets, blenders, comforters, you name it. All you have to do is text it to the number 6723197. Give us your name and your address, and you will be placed in the draw, and you will be able to win one of those prizes, including cell phones and air dryers. A lot of prizes.  What is the raffle for? Mother’s Day.”

 

It was a small gesture perhaps, but it was one that landed with the people who showed up. Whether the government heeds the call for broader tax relief remains to be seen. Reporting for News Five, I am Zenida Lanza.

 

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.

 

Watch the full newscast here: