After the chaos that erupted after the House meeting last week, residents of the capital city were wary today and in fact many of the businesses near the market square were opened. But many stayed open, because after all the reason to riot had been removed; the Prime Minister had backpedaled on the Universal Motion. Still, the moment of truth wouldn't come until 1:30 in the afternoon when the House meeting finished. That's about when things started getting out of hand last week and today our crews were ready for all contingencies but peace and order prevailed. Here's why.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The House meeting was adjourned shortly after 1 pm. The first person to walk down the steps was UDP Leader Dean Barrow. His descent created an eruption in the crowd as he walked onto Independence Square and in the hands of a mob of supporters.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
"First of all I am extremely happy that there has been no violence, that people came and protested peacefully. I am also extremely happy at the size of the crowd. I am extremely happy that this is the culmination of the
victory that the people have scored in turning back that UHS loan motion."
And while Barrow was greeted with cheers - Prime Minister Musa and the other PUP representatives were booed as they left the National Assembly building. But the boos didn't last long.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
"Ladies and gentlemen let's hear it for Belize. I want to congratulate you. There were some who said last week that when we came and the debate was put off that the Prime Minister had worked some kind of a trick but we promised that we would be back and we are back and we have delivered. The people of this country will never be defeated."
Barrow went on the big speaker and told supporters they that they are on a one way road to general elections.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
"We will not rest until we force Said Wilbert Musa to resign. Please
be prepared to run the tyrants out of Belmopan and please be prepared for the elections of a new government, a United Democratic Party government committed to the reform agenda."
And on that note, today's protest ended much like it began. There was a peaceful orderly exodus in mere minutes and there was no riot squad needed to push them back - only recruits standing - a major policing success, due in no small part to the absence of Commander of Operations, Crispin Jeffries.
And while we severely criticized the police last week, particularly the erratic and what we thought to be provocative behavior of Assistant Commissioner David Henderson, today the team headed by Senior Superintendent David Henderson and Inspector Keith Lino performed commendably and worked at all times to de-escalate hostilities. And while we in the media still have major issues with basically being denied freedom to move, props go to Acting Commissioner Maureen Leslie.
