3 weeks ago
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The United Democratic Party is calling on Belizeans to join a protest march and rally in Belize City next Friday, July 10, under the slogan, “Enough is Enough”. The UDP has also extended an invitation to the country’s trade unions to join the demonstration, as the party seeks to build broader support around its criticisms of the government and concerns it says are affecting Belizeans. But while the unions may share some of the issues being raised, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) says it will not allow itself to be drawn into party politics. The union president Ella Waight says the labour movement remains focused on the concerns of workers and the wider public, regardless of which political party is raising them.
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “So we did get an invitation from the Leader of the Opposition. We appreciate the invitation for a march and rally next week Friday. But as the public is very aware the National Trade Union Congress of Belize does not associate itself with any political party. We do our very best to stay away from any political event especially when they’re asking persons to gather in front of the UDP office. But the issue , the issue that we’re facing as a country and standing up for what is right we are considering just going to the rally. But if the rally gets very political we will ensure that we separate ourselves from that. It is still in discussion at the general council phase , we have not made a decision yet so we’re still discussing the matter. It’s very difficult for us to join any political party when it comes to these activities. We try to do things on our own and one of the main reasons why we’re actually waiting is to get the results of the investigation because if what we recommend to be actions then is not taken into consideration then NTUCB has to ensure that we go out, hit the streets as we would usually do if we are not being paid attention to by the government of Belize. So we prefer to wait but the general council is a very democratic organization and if the members say that we join the rally in Belize City we will do that. But definitely not the gathering at a UDP office, we will not do that. That’s not what we’re there for.”
Reporter: When was your last meeting with the Prime Minister ?
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “We had that meeting in June. June of this year.”
The protest is scheduled to begin at 9am, with participants expected to leave UDP Headquarters and make their way to Battlefield Park for a rally. Love News will keep you posted.
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