And we had team coverage of the event. Jaleeza Roberts was on the ground along with Courtney Menzies and they spoke to the UDP actors as well as the unionists who joined in:
At 9:00 this morning, the crowd of UDP supporters on Princess Margaret Drive calmly stood on the sidewalks in front of Social Security, signs in hand, waiting for directives from the party leader. Police Barricades were placed around the compound, along with a cordon rope to keep the protesters out. A few dozen uniformed police officers stood around the perimeter and at the door of the SSB building.
And for the first hour and a half, the protest remained peaceful, with the UDP marching in a circle on Princess Margaret Drive in front of the compound, the sound of blaring horns filling the air.
Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, stayed on the front along with other elected and appointed members of parliament. But UDP faces from across the country joined in as well: the San Ignacio Mayor, the Belmopan caretaker. All but political field general Brian "Yellowman" Audinett, who was taken in custody this morning. His proposed charge? Being a member of gang.
But it wasn't just the UDP and their supporters on Princess Margaret today. The NTUCB had applied for its own permit to protest after the UDP, but their application was denied. And so while they did not join the opposition per se, they also protested against the Speednet acquisition - same time, same place, same message, but lower volume.
The unions' start was slower, with the NTUCB president arriving first on the scene, along with a scattering of members, including the Belize Communications Workers for Justice. But the tide turned when a small group comprising the BNTU councilor management, including president Nadia Caliz, came marching in, singing their songs of solidarity.
They were eventually joined by token representation KHMH Workers Union and the PSU.
But the unions drew a stark line between themselves and the UDP, particularly when the UDP began storming the SSB compound. Channelling the spirit of "Yellowman," they broke through the first police line.
Patrick Faber got hauled and pulled by his shirt.
The Guardian's Alfonso Noble shoved his way through the police line and defiantly held his ground, even when threatened with detention. He clutched the back of a pickup truck and multiple police officer could not pry him away. Chaos quickly erupted as protesters were shoved backwards.
Ultimately, the Leader of the Opposition called off the crowd and they restarted their marching, this time not only going in a circle but also back up to the line of police. Eventually, the crowd began pushing their way in against the officers.
Senator Patrick Faber, who made it on the other side of the rope, was carried out by two officers and his colleague, Lee Mark Chang. But the officers shoved both of them away, and they fell to the ground.
The scene was reminiscent of Faber's 2005 tussle with police.
This second time around, Noble could be seen at the front tugging against the rope as another supporter was trapped between it and the police.
The commotion didn't last too long before they were called off once again. The Leader of the Opposition then gathered as many supporters as they could for one more march on the street. This time though, instead of going in a circle, they marched over to the Belcan Bridge and blocked it. This time, this one was for Yellowman - who was still in custody.
The trucks, buses, and vehicles that wanted to cross the bridge were forced to make a detour, reversing or turning around. Eventually, cones were placed to block the road on their sides of the bridge - a concession by police.
The UDP held their ground until they received word that Yellowman was released. They waited on the bridge until the moment he appeared, looking like the prodigal son who returned home.
Reporter
"So they had you at Queen Street [police station]"
Yellowman
"Yes."
Reporter
"Are you a member of a gang?"
Yellowman
"We are going to sue the police department."
Reporter
"Have you ever been a member of a gang?"
Yellowman
"I no gangbang, I am a member of the United Democratic Party."
He was embraced by his colleagues and took up the front of the line as the UDP made their final march back to SSB.
At that point, the unions had already left, but the police officers remained guarding the building. However, now, the civilians previously under the shed were gone, and the doors had been shuttered.
But there were no more fireworks, as the UDP supporters quickly dissipated, awaiting the next time they're called upon.
And, while that was the scene at the Belize City branch office - as we told you the Board actually met in Belmopan at the SSB headquarters. Again, they did not take a final position supporting the acquisition. As we understand it - "the Board continues its process of due diligence."
