I have just returned from Belmopan, Friday, May 18th, and I have decided to begin this piece while the memory of what happened is still fresh in my mind. First thing, the LOVE FM 12:30 p.m. news, according to some people who claim to have heard it, gave the size of the crowd as 400! I didn’t hear that myself, but the crowd was ten times that, give or take a little!
Actually, the crowd was remarkably good-natured, considering the provocation caused by a Prime Minister who thumbs his nose at any criticism from the Belizean people, and who blatantly defies the Constitution. He refuses to acknowledge the significance of any opposition by alleging that such opposition is created solely by the UDP for “political purposes”, thus dismissing all of us who oppose him because of his policies. The UHS issue demonstrates the attitude of an administration that doesn’t give a f—- about any aspect of Belizean law. This is a guy who says, “I can do what I damn well please. I don’t even have to inform my own Cabinet nor do I have to inform the National Assembly because I acted in good faith.”
Given all of that, the people in Belmopan did not arrive in an ugly or violent mood: determined and purposeful yes, but not destructive or dangerous. The s—t hit the fan only after one particular recently promoted senior police officer gave orders that, in effect, instigated violence for political purposes. It appears that some demonstrators were given the okay from the House of Representatives to enter the gallery in order to hear the debate, a right that belongs to citizens of a democratic society. As they ascended the steps, this “officer of the law” abused them and forced them back down the steps. I guess he believes that he has the right to countermand instructions from the legislative body that represents the people of Belize.
If that hadn’t happened, and if the police commander had the common sense to realize that it serves no useful purpose to turn on a peaceful crowd after the permit to demonstrate has expired, I am convinced that the anger of the demonstrators would have never exploded into action against the police until they clearly indicated by their actions that their role was that of oppressors of the people.
Before I continue with the chain of events, let me say a few words about the so-called decision of the BNTU not to participate in the protest. There are ways to organize a representative body so that it can thwart the power of the people. The General Workers Union played such a pivotal role in the PUP victory during the electoral campaign of 1957 that the winning party realized the same union pressure that elevated them could be used to bring them down! Thus, they made sure that they could control trade unions from then on.
The constitution of the BTNU is tailor-made to allow this kind of control. Smaller branches have the same number of votes in the Council of Management as larger branches. This is the loophole that allowed those who didn’t want the BNTU membership to increase the numbers of the Belmopan protestors to have their way. The President of one of those smaller branches asserted that he had the right as an elected official to make important decisions without going back to consult his membership! Now who does that sound like, someone by the name of Said Musa perchance? Anyhow, it didn’t make much difference. All the teachers in Belmopan, and there were a lot, greeted each other by saying, “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Corozal?”
The last time I criticized the Council of Management in this column they indirectly sent a message that they wanted me to apologize. They sure didn’t have the balls to ask me to come to a meeting so that we could discuss the issues face to face. Apologize for telling the truth? You’ve got to be kidding! If you don’t like what I write about you, change your antidemocratic behavior! Otherwise, kiss it and butt out! I owe respect to people who earn it.
Henry Usher, the PUP’s head honcho, did the expected: “It is all the UDP’s fault,” on Friday’s evening news. I wrote about people in blue shirts changing them to red and then instigating violence in last week’s article because it happened in 2005! This time, I stood out there talking to people while watching (and pointing out to them) the same thing going on! Henry, stop your r—-! People are not as stupid as you obviously think they are. Some of this crap has been captured on videotape and on camera phones! Would you like to see the outtakes?
So exactly as the PUP appeared to have wanted, there was violence! I would not be surprised if there wasn’t some discussion up top about using this incident to declare a state of emergency, but it would be incredibly stupid to go that route. Tourism is the biggest money earner in the “legitimate economy.” Declare a state of emergency and kiss tourism goodbye! Once tour operators pull a destination off the board, there is no telling when they would put it back up again.
I know a good friend of mine who is disposing of his Belizean assets, which are considerable, and is in the process of relocating to Panama. The reasons – crime and tourism don’t mix. Add a crushing tax burden, imposed by GOB to try to compensate for all the dumb ass moves and the stealing, and Belize is now regarded around the world as a bad place for any legitimate investment. Besides, doing the drastic because of a minor incident wouldn’t fly with the rest of the world. It’s not easy to do a Myanmar (Burma) with a country as small as and as dependent on international contact and support as is Belize.
Besides, who are they going to arrest and hold without charge? Maybe they want the entire Kremandala organization including Evan X, Mose Hyde, Jacinta Garnett, Russell Vellos, Kalilah Enriquez, myself and Michael Hyde. Would they detain Jules Vasquez and all of the employees of Channel 7? Would they want to arrest Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde? How about all of the outspoken and militant teachers, particularly Ms. Elena Smith? Would they detain Paul and Christine Perriott, and the rest of the BCWU executive? What about the increasingly outspoken and militant Maya people and leaders who have my ultimate respect? Will they look for Antoinette Moore, the attorney who has been one of the best human rights lawyers in Belize? What about the Association of Concerned Belizeans and their attorney Lois Young? Would they arrest the leaders of the UDP, including Dean Barrow, Patrick Faber, Boots Martinez and Michael Finnegan? What about the families of leaders and activists? Will they be targeted as well?
Well, this is Tuesday, May 18th, 2007. The Honorable Mark Espat and the Honorable Cordel Hyde walked out of Cabinet this morning. The Musa spin will try to claim that they were fired. I don’t believe that for one second, because these are two men who have pride and self-respect. I am sure that the conversation went like this. Musa: “If you refuse to support me I will dismiss you from Cabinet.” The Honorable Mark Espat and the Honorable Cordel Hyde: “No problem, see ya later!” Notice that I almost never address politicians as “honorable” because I believe that most politicians are a dishonorable bunch of crooks! Respect to the Honorable Mr. Espat and the Honorable Mr. Hyde. Both of you have demonstrated more balls than any other representatives in the short history of Belize.
What will the immediate future bring? Who knows? There is no such thing as the “foreseeable future.” Who can foresee the future? Things are taking place at warp speed. One thing for sure, all hell is about to break loose! Good luck, my people. We will need it. ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!.