They came out over corruption, the cost of living, and promises they say were never kept. Today, the United Democratic Party took its anti-corruption message to the streets of Belize City, drawing a crowd that the opposition says numbered in the thousands, though our count put it in the hundreds. But beyond the numbers, many Belizeans are frustrated and want answers. Tracy Panton led supporters through the city and into Battlefield Park, where the UDP tried to turn public anger into political momentum.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
For any opposition protest, the ruling party usually watches two things closely: how many people show up, and whether things get out of hand. Today, UDP Leader Tracy Panton leaned hard into the first, posting on social media that two thousand demonstrators joined the party’s anti-corruption rally in Belize City. Our estimate, however, put the crowd closer to five hundred.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party
“Well you have not seen the situation report for police who said that their number accounts for two thousand people. So, your information is definitely not correct.”
As for unrest, there was none. Today’s protest remained peaceful. And that’s likely because the party’s agitator, Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett, was given strict instructions.
Paul Lopez
“What you think about the energy out here right now and were you given specific directives to hold it down today?”
Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett
Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett, UDP Member
“Yes, yes, yes, this is a peaceful protest today and we are asking everybody to keep their cool and there is no need for violence. The time will come for that, if the PUP refuse to listen.”
Still, today’s rally was about more than numbers. It was about calling out corruption and giving frustrated Belizeans a louder voice. And those voices spoke loudly.
Damian Gough
Damian Gough, UDP Mayoral Aspirant
“Today is not a political event, today you all have done an excellent job in the media, highlighting the level of corruption and nepotism that has been happening under this administration. They have ramped it up on steroids and taken it to the next level. Today is the first chance that Belizeans are getting to take a stance for Belize.”
Protestor #1
Protestor #1
“Why they can’t go to jail to thief a million, people go to jail for one coconut.”
Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia
Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia, Dangriga Resident
“I am representing anti-corruption. I am here as Cyril Uruwei. I am a son of Dangirga. I am here as a voice for every Belizean. This is not about red or blue, this is about anti-corruption and this is what I hope all of my people can understand.”
Protestor #2
Protestor #2
“Because we have to get rid of this government. Ih have to guh. We wah punish too much. You nuh the punish? I the punish. Seventy dollars now for the small thank of gas. Light bill gone up. Water gone up. Food bill gone up. Yesterday chicken gone up.”
Protester #3
Protester #3
“Everybody else promises dreams, dreams, dreams. I live dah Ladyville for sixty years and Ladyville has lone mosquito and bush and stink. What happen to the Belize Rural Central Representative?”
Protestor #4
Protestor #4
“I want to tell our government, stop cover your sins with the UDP sins. When you were in opposition, you had solutions for everything. Now stand up and complete what you promised.”
Beyond the voices of everyday Belizeans, UDP elected representatives and political hopefuls from far and wide marched behind their leader, Tracy Panton, through the streets of Belize City into Battlefield Park.
Phillip Willoughy
Phillip Willoughy, UDP Councilor Aspirant
“I am here advocating for the legislating of UNCAC. Nuh care weh any government do. The only thing that will stop corruption in this country is UNCAC. They need to give us UNCAC, bottom line.”
Franklin “Kranka” Polonio
Franklin “Kranka” Polonio, Former UDP Mayoral Candidate, Punta Gorda
“My message to residents in Punta Gorda, unu wake up. This dah nuh bout red or blue. This is about people and people tired. If unu the win dah only unu, what about the masses?”
Richie Galvez
Richie Galvez, UDP Mayoral Aspirant, Belmopan
“As an opposition, I think this is a first step. This is a good step. We need to show some muscles and hit the streets.”
Paul Lopez
“How you feel after that walk and the energy inside the crowd?”
Tracy Panton
“The truth is, people have had enough, like we really have had enough.”
Panton led the march into Battlefield Park, where she turned the rally into a platform for a sharp anti-corruption message. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
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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