And while Barrow received praises for, not only unfurling a giant Belize flag, but also for changing the lyrics of his popular single, "Bad Boyz," turning the meaning from despairing to optimistic.
But while the publicity Barrow brought to Belize is undeniable, some even ventured to say that what he did is more than what the Belize Tourism Board can do in terms of promoting the country.
But on Sunup on 7, Barrow wanted to clarify that he's not trying to compete with BTB, since they have the same goal - even though, according to him, he managed to accomplish it on a grander scale.
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"They had me saying like, oh well, BTB couldn't do what I did. I want to make it clear, kudos to BTB for the efforts that they are putting forth to promote Belize and to market Belize. This is not a competition so it's not as if to say they are failing or they are doing a terrible job. I applaud their efforts engaging the diaspora, I met the ambassador for diaspora affairs yesterday and for me, whatever I do is in a class by itself and that's just due to circumstances but it doesn't take away from the valiant effort that is being made by BTB, they are trying. While I had my criticisms for the $750,000 spent on the concert, basically they're doing the same thing I did, I'm just doing it on an ultra level and it's not costing the Belizean taxpayers any money. It's not to throw shade, I'm just saying we're headed in the same direction. So I don't want to take any from anyone in order to amplify my contribution."
The Director of Tourism Evan Tillett is quoted in the Reporter Newspaper as saying, "putting Belize out there by the leader of the opposition, that is similar to what happens at the Miss Universe Pageant when Belize gets recognition."
