Edward Broaster Launches Unique Fuel Protest

High fuel prices are hitting Belizean families hard, but one man says he’s ready to put his money where his mouth is. In a bold, and unusual, move, UDP Belize Rural Central Caretaker Edward Broaster is stepping in to ease the burden at the pump this Friday, pledging to cover part of drivers’ fuel costs. But he’s not stopping there. Broaster is throwing down a public challenge to Prime Minister John Briceño: match the effort and help struggling Belizeans feel some real relief. Is this political theatre or real help when it’s needed most? Shane Williams has the story.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting…

You may remember Edward Broaster as the former hard‑charging Deputy Commissioner of Police who once played secret Santa, bringing smiles to families in Ladyville. Now, he’s back with another crowd‑grabbing gesture, this time at the pumps. Broaster is offering motorists at the Northern Gas Station two dollars off every gallon of fuel, up to ten gallons per vehicle, putting some immediate relief in drivers’ pockets. It’s a move that blends goodwill with politics, part practical help, part pointed statement as fuel prices continue to bite.

 

Edward Broaster, UDP Caretaker, Belize Rural Central

“Hearing from my constituents that the fuel price is killing them, the cost of good is killing them, this initiative is a form of protest to show the government that yes you can reduce the price of fuel. If I can cut it by two dollars, you can do the same.”

 

Broaster says the rising cost of living is hitting his constituents hard and he wants to make a point about the burden at the pump.

 

Edward Broaster

“We will avail maximum ten gallons per person from Belize Rural Central at the Northern Gas Station to fuel their vehicle and we will pay the two dollars-per-gallon to the gas station. We can’t have the government that works for us, the Belizean people, tell us they can’t do what we want them to do. So this silent, the peaceful process, I would say peaceful protest, is to ensure that we bring to the forefront the hypocrisy of the government.”

 

But how does an aspiring politician take on fuel prices even for a day?

 

Shane Williams

“This is a significant financial flex for someone in opposition. How will you manage to pay for something like this?”

 

Edward Broaster

“As usual, we have good supporters who will back us in terms of the fund needed to provide relief for some of the residents in Belize Rural Central.”

 

These quote unquote good supporters seem ready to pay a hefty fuel tab, and while Broaster won’t give names, the question remains. Who is his secret santa at Northern Gas Station? And Beyond drivers, Broaster says plans are already in motion to assist bus commuters, another group feeling the strain of rising fuel and fare costs.

 

Edward Broaster

“In due time, we will do something for commuters. We plan to do seven days – seven days operation for commuters.”

 

Whether it’s a one-day relief effort or the start of a broader campaign, Friday’s fuel subsidy is sure to draw attention and long lines. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

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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