By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The United Democratic Party says the time for talk is over. This Friday, the Opposition will lead a demonstration through Belize City, and its leader is calling on Belizeans from every walk of life to join in.
The march is set to begin in front of the UDP Headquarters, with protestors making their way to Battlefield Park in the heart of downtown Belize City.
Opposition Leader Tracy Panton insists the demonstration goes beyond party politics. She points to the Ministry of Defense procurement controversy, rising crime and violence, and the high cost of living as burdens weighing on every Belizean household, and says the moment demands that citizens stand up and be counted.
Speaking on the controversy that has dominated headlines, Panton suggested the revelations so far are only the beginning. “I think what has been in the public domain so far has been just the tip of the iceberg and there is more information unfolding,” she said, adding that in her view, the Prime Minister’s attempt to be dismissive of the information now public is “deeply disconcerting.”
The Opposition Leader is demanding a sweeping, independent response. She called for “an independent and forensic audit, not only on those ministries and department that we now have information” about, describing what she characterised as “a systemic infraction,” and declaring, “we can’t normalize corruption.” It should be noted that these are Panton’s characterisations, and that the matters in question remain under audit, with no findings made to date.
Panton was also keen to stress that Friday’s event is meant to be a broad national moment rather than a partisan one. “While the UDP is leading this protest, march and rally, this is a call to action by all Belizeans to come out, to bring some greater visibility to the issues we are facing,” she said, extending the invitation to union members, civil society, the churches, and every ordinary citizen. “This is not just a political rally.”
The government, for its part, has maintained that accountability matters are being handled through the proper channels, including the audit currently underway.
All eyes now turn to Friday, and to how many Belizeans answer the Opposition’s call.
The post UDP takes its fight to the streets this Friday appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The United Democratic Party says the time for talk is over. This Friday, the Opposition will lead a demonstration through Belize City, and its leader is calling on Belizeans from every walk of life to join in. The march is set to begin in front of the UDP Headquarters, with
The post UDP takes its fight to the streets this Friday appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.