And while the OAS is a key supporter of thriving democracies, the UDP says Belize's democracy is in trouble. That's because the opposition was twice denied a permit to protest last week.
And that's why tomorrow, they are going to stage an illegal protest. The party Chairman held a virtual press conference today to discuss it:
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, United Democratic Party
"And so, we are going to have to find a way to send our message without breaking the law and still do it in the form of a protest that cannot a one that would technically require a permission. We are going to go out there, let our voices be heard. This is still a democracy, this is not Russia, this is not Bulgaria - I mean this is ridiculous."
Jules Vasquez
"A critic would say, well if you ask for a permit and none was given, you're playing with fire by insisting in having one - you're looking for arrest. What would be your response to that?"
Michael Peyrefitte
"Isn't that as well playing with fire, Mr. Vasquez? Isn't it playing with fire that you as the commissioner of police decide that you want to muffle opposition voices? He would not be having this type of discussion, if he just granted the permission to have the protest. But his feelings are hurt, he is thin-skin, he's fighting for the reputation of his political bosses and so he made an ass-backward decision to deny this permission to protest and we will not be playing with any fire. We will go there tomorrow, we will do our peaceful protest within the law, if police come and say Mr. Peyrefitte, you're under arrest, I will comply with the police orders and I will go along. I certainly won't punch a cement wall and then blame the police for breaking my hand afterwards."
Reporter
"What would be the party's response or protestors response to possible police aggression?"
Michael Peyrefitte
"We will follow all orders of the police, as long as I am standing on the street which is public property for which I pay taxes to maintain. I am not moving from here. Now, if the officer decides that she or he wants to arrest me, I will put out my hand and get arrested. I ain't fighting no police and no members of the UDP is fighting with no police."
