And we also asked the opposition leader about a statement the UDP put out yesterday in support of the unions who are battling the Briceno administration to have their increments restored after a long freeze. The UDP statement says, quote, "The United Democratic Party wishes to express its unwavering support to the labour unions fight for better working and living conditions for workers....We are therefore ready to join the unions in action to bring this administration to terms."
We asked Barrow about this today:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"We support strongly taking action. The Briceno administration has taken for granted the Belizean people, has acted with bad faith, has really exploited the political capital that they gained in 2020 and they have renege on all promises. So what we have is a tipping point, we're at the tipping point and we took to the streets last year to protest high cost of living, high energy. Do we even have a report on how many millions and millions of dollars the prime minister affiliated gas stations are making in the last 2 years? I guarantee you there would be record. That why he could afford to buy a half a million-dollar vehicle when he says that oh he is saving the government money."
"The point is the quality of life, the cost of living is unbearable. We see the government is one vein saying that they have recovered the economy and then the priority list is in shambles. I recall the unions being brought to negotiation, being brought to the table and promises being made that please, make the sacrifice now and once things get back on track, we will restore your increments, restore your salaries. So, the union wants what I believe they deserve and what was promised and if the government is going to continue to break the promises, I join with the union that we take to the streets and we protest. Again, the privilege of democracy."
