Former UDP candidate David Almendarez has re-entered the public arena with sharp criticism of the Briceño administration’s handling of union protests. This morning, Almendarez held a press conference under his new title as the founder of the Belize Local Tourism Guides and Operators Association.
Almendarez criticised the government for “union busting” and crossing the line with police action against public servants.
“Police, listen to me, you are out here arresting the teachers; put their vehicles on a tow truck. Never in my life, and I am a seasoned fighter, but there are some barriers that you don’t cross, some things you don’t touch,” he said.
He pointed out that the fight of the teachers and public servants for a salary adjustment dates back more than a decade, which also includes negotiations with the previous administration. “It’s not only this administration, it’s from the previous administration they’re negotiating that same 8.5%.”
“I remember when the teachers were picketing to the then prime minister and the then the leader of the opposition, he was front stage and center with them,” Almendarez said, referring to John Briceño, who now serves as Prime Minister.