And after the Queen of the Bay was crowned - it was time for the parade - which - at least when it passed our studio was scanty. But Jules Vasquez did see one thing that really caught his eye. And it happened right in front of our studio, here's his report:
The footage shows Shyne Barrow walking past the Tracy Panton pickup at 10:50 am - and she seems to have a courteous exchange with him.
And then right in front of Channel 7, Michael Finnegan - also in the pickup - starts talking to Barrow. Again, the exchange seems friendly.
Barrow disappears behind the pickup - and the next time we see him, he has climbed in and is sitting on the tailgate - immediately behind Panton.
And that's where he remains for the rest of the parade - the UDP Leader and the Opposition Leader on the same platform in a show of unity not seen in years.
But is the truckback truce real - and can the UDP genuinely move forward now without endless infighting?
Barrow certainly suggested that in a post right after the parade. He said
"Thanks to the Leader of the Opposition…Tracy Panton, for her gracious invitation for me to join her today in the Battle of St George's Caye Day Parade.
It is no coincidence that the LOO and I united on the day we celebrate the 227th Anniversary of the coming together of Belizeans….to fight against the common enemy who wished to conquer Belize.
Today we have one common enemy, the PUP Government….today we will unite to defeat a contemptuous Government that has lost its way."
Certainly a sign of hope. In response, John Saldivar posted, quote, "This picture offers hope for unity and for a smooth transition to the leadership of Hon. Tracy Panton."
But the Tenth's truckback truce proved to be only a brief ceasefire. By midnight - Tracy's ground commander Lee Mark Chang and Shyne's Chairman Alberto August were already back at it - continuing the endless loop of disputes leading up to this weekend's caretaker conventions.
And while the parade was scanty when it passed here - the event did not really disappoint and that's because Boots the Brukdown master put on his usual show winding through the streets….
