Musa Weighs in After Chaotic BTL Protest

On Tuesday, we brought you wall‑to‑wall coverage of the protest outside BTL headquarters here in Belize City. You heard from union leaders, former BTL employees, and members of the opposition, and you saw the chaos as it spilled onto the company’s compound. Since then, BTL has pushed back, condemning what it calls ‘illegal trespassing’ after demonstrators forced their way past police barricades and into the building. So, what does the Briceño Cabinet make of what unfolded? We caught up with Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa today, and his take might surprise you. He says what we saw was actually a sign of a healthy democracy.

 

Kareem Musa, Area Representative, Caribbean Shores

“I think it was a good demonstration of a healthy democracy. I think it was primarily led by the United Democratic Party and some participation from some of the unions. I think it was a decent flex, so to speak. But I think it demonstrates a healthy democracy to have dissenting and opposing views and doing so in a respectful and peaceful manner. So, not completely peaceful, but I think overall it went well for them.”

 

 

Reporter

“It is not just the UDP, it is the NTUCB, BCCI, Independent Senators they have all expressed their decent. Why is Cabinet silent? Should there not have been more consultation?”

 

Kareem Musa

“I think it is important to note, because some media houses have been stating that in effect the prime minister is influencing the decision of the board. I think it is very important that Cabinet at this time, since it will not be the one to make the decision, but rather the board, that they do not in any way try to interfere and influence the decisions of the board members. If it is that Cabinet says yes or no, that might have some impact or at least the media might say that Cabinet is trying to influence the decision-making process. So, that is why Cabinet made the decision that it will actually announced its position after consultations have concluded.”