At the top of the newscast, we took you to Belmopan for all the drama within the ruling United Democratic Party, as they try to find a leader to take them into the 2020 general elections.
Well, while the Prime Minister was hosting his emergency Cabinet meeting in the Nation's Capital, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and its 10 affiliate unions were marching in the streets of Belize City for good governance, and against corruption in public life.
It's part of their "Only the People Can Save the People" camapign, and with only a few days' notice, there was some doubt that they would have been able to mobilize large enough crowds to send a message to Belmopan.
Well, they did, and our 7News team was there from the start to the end of the demonstration. Daniel Ortiz reports:
Shortly before the start of today's event, the number of demonstrators wearing the signature BNTU green shirts was easily the biggest crowd. But, as soon as the NTUCB march moved off from the Constitution Park, we started noticing factions from the other 9 member unions.
Hundreds of trade unionists and their allies then marched through the main streets of the Belize City, carrying around posters with strong messages of anti-corruption.
Their 45-minute walk to the Memorial Park certainly caught the attention of passersby and city residents.
Marvin Mora - President, NTUCB
"For us, it is more than enough, more than we expected. We're really happy to see the numbers. We're are really happy to see the response. We're also happy that our people are understanding the issues that we're addressing, that they believe that these are the right things - the logical things to demand at this point from our government. In fact, some of us believe that it's a little too late, but, it's better late than never."
Once all of the demonstrators arrived inside the park, executives from all of the member unions shared their thoughts on why this anti-corruption rally is important to them, and why other Belizeans should be taking a stand alongside them.
Marvin Mora
"We are here for a change, and only us, only us we've tried red. We've tried blue. We tried all the colours. We tried them, and we give them 1 or 2 consecutive terms, more than 1, more than 2, and the results are exactly the same, no change for change. But today, brothers and sisters mark the beginning of the boss' directive as to this executive that you have elected in place, that you're tired."
Glenford Lewis - President, Southern Workers Union
"We are here today, not to lament or the grieve about the ills that have been afflicted upon us by the system. We are here to re-energize ourselves. We are here to stand together as one. Today is the day that we must introduce hygiene in the politics of Belize. The quality of life must improve. The misery index must go down."
Lorelei Westby - President, Belize Water Services Workers Union
"We were dubbed the sand fly union because you don't see us, but you feel us. Mr. Prime Minister, it's just a matter of time before you feel us. Solidarity!"
Gary Yearwood - President, Belize Communication Workers Union
"I want to address, fear among union members. Do not be afraid. Do not let the bosses intimidate you all. We are the bosses. The people are the bosses. And today, I stand proud to be on the right side of history, holding the elected leaders accountable for all the wrongdoings that they have done to this nation."
Natalie Novelo - VP, Belize Energy Workers Union
"Even though we are a union, we are citizens of a country that is being beaten to a pulp by the same people we have trusted to take care of it. That's why on behalf of our union, and other citizens that for some reason, are not out here today, I say enough is enough."
Gerald Westby Jr. - President, Public Service Union
"We must adopt the attitude of the lion that we are the boss. We are out here. We are the ones who put the politicians there. We are the lions here."
Hon. Elena Smith - President, BNTU
"It is those same persons who look at us, and say to us by their actions that what you are doing is no interest to us because right now, I am locked up in an AC room, discussing who will take over this party, who will be the next leader for us. That is the important thing for right now. To hell with the people. Let us show them today that you might be ignoring us right now because you think that you have more important business. Those who want to get in, you better understand that you better wheel and come again because it's not going to be the usual thing. There has to be a change, change must come."
Evan Mose Hyde - President, Christian Workers Union
"They tried to take one thing off the line where the NTUCB said "no elections". NTUCB doesn't have any dummies. They know exactly when the election is to be hold and no one wants to hold any election. When they say no election, they mean we don't want to hear you tell us when election is due. What we are saying is, don't even bring that us. You know when it will be, so, you don't need to tell us that. What we are telling you right now, corrections than elections."
"So, we won't mix up. Because you know how they try to make people misinterpret the thing. That's not going to happen. The NTUCB is not trying to create any gift for any elected administration where they have an excuse so they can stay an extra quarter. We're telling them, we know how you are going to have elections in your mind. Take it out of your mind. Right now, it's us. The boss is here and we're talking about this, right now. This is what we talk about, right now, campaign financing, right now. We're talking about integrity commission, right now. We're talking about dealing with the investigation of John Saldivar, right now. We're talking about all the other things they mention to investigate them, right now. We're talking to make it happen. Now, now, now!"
During the address from the CWU President, the UB students, who are part of the student union, arrived at the Memorial Park. That's after they staged a walkout at their campus at UB'S Belmopan campus. When they arrived, they were given a warm welcome.
Evan Mose Hyde
"They didn't get permission they walk out of the university. We have to get someone to represent this group here. Who wants to say something on behalf of this group here? Everybody is shouting for Abbie, so, Abbie you better come."
Abbie Godoy-Guillen
"Good morning everybody, or good afternoon, I should better say. It's a pleasure to be here with you guys, today. We really wanted to show everyone that we are in solidarity with all of you. Because, we are the future and you guys are here fighting for our future. And we want you guys to know that we care."
Among today's guest speakers were Osmany Salas, the NGO Senator, and Mark Lizarraga, the Business Senator. This evening, the National Evangelical Association of Belize sent out a press release expressing solidarity with the NTUCB and its good governance campaign.
Their statement says, quote, "The Association with all our nationwide affiliate churches, stands in full support of the Unions in the initiative with the 6 Points of Good Governance laid out by the NTUCB. We have reached a crisis point in our nation due to rampant disregard for the Constitution and for the rule of law." End quote.
