But was this crowd motivated solely by their suffering and frustration? Or were they in Belmopan to get a payday?
It's not uncommon for mass parties to pay supporters to come out, whether it be for protests, elections, or referendums. But when the media put the question to the Leader of the Opposition, he vehemently rejected the accusation.
Reporter
"Will you be the first politician in history to admit or to acknowledge that protesters were paid to be out here today?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"No, absolutely not, Paul. Don't make such scavulous accusations. Don't do that. That's defamatory."
Reporter
"So they were not?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Absolutely not."
Reporter
"Sir, if we have seen this happening before our eyes today, what..."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Paul, nobody was paid to be out here. People were fed, people were given beverages, and people were provided transportation. I guarantee you of that."
Reporter
"What do you make of the behavior this morning? Is it something that you condone with them bursting the barriers?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Courtney, do not say that. Do not say that. I came out and I said my greetings to people, and people were exercising their frustrations, and I tried to signal to them to hold it down. But protesters are right to protest. I can't tell them how to express their frustrations. I would hope that they could do it in a peaceful manner. That is what I advocate. You never saw me condoning that exercise of their frustration."
"I, all said that they are frustrated, and I listed the reasons why they are frustrated. But I did not condone or encourage any such behavior."
Reporter
"Your overall view, however, of the turnout..."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Satisfying. You said that I expected it would be so much. I mean, coming from LOVE, who editorializes me when they speak about me. Now, I don't know what happened with me and LOVE. Me and LOVE were alright. But there is no love with LOVE. And I am one of your supporters like you know, I will reform, rehabilitation and not to judge you. But man, you guys editorialize when it comes to me. But no, it was a robust turnout. It was actually what we wanted. The people came out and expressed their frustration."
"You know, the Social Security thing is very, very disturbing. I will get back inside and I will raise it on the adjournment. Very, very disturbing what they are doing, investing in this shell company and then Courtenay and Coye change the law so you can't even see who owns private companies anymore."
"All strategic and deliberate moves by the hawks in the PUP that are only concerned with sucking all of the money out of the public coffers."
