PSU Condemns Police for Heavy-Handed Tactics During Protests

President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Dean Flowers, gave a pointed message directed at the police department following this week’s protests, where public outrage has grown over what many are calling the use of “excessive force.” Speaking out in the aftermath of the demonstrations, Flowers expressed deep concern over the conduct of law enforcement officers, who were recorded clashing with protestors, many of them teachers. Members of the public have since taken to social media and other platforms to voice their frustration, noting a disturbing contrast which was the perceived aggression toward educators versus the reportedly more restrained approach when dealing with known criminals. 

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union: “My message needs to be to the police officers, not to the teachers. The teachers are within their right to protest and to voice their concern and to show dissent. This is Belize. This is how our forefathers built this country. So we’re not going to stop because Johnny Briceño believes he can execute these type of abusive powers on teachers. My message is to the police officers. Brothers, sisters, when you all arrest a teacher you all are arresting a defender of the future. You’re not arresting a criminal, you are arresting a defender of the future. Your family deserves these people. Your children deserve these people.  So my message is to the police officers, you need to lay down your handcuffs. You need to grow some balls and accept that you’re creatures of instructions, but at the same time, you need to stand for and stand with the teachers who are fighting for you and your children. So stand with the people and not the parasites. Not the parasites that are in power.”

Teachers are expected to go to court in Dangriga next Wednesday.