BELIZE CITY – A significant political demonstration on Wednesday revealed a stark divergence in protest methodologies between Belize’s organized labor unions and the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), despite their shared opposition to the proposed BTL-SMART acquisition. The events unfolded outside the Social Security Board (SSB) building, where both groups staged parallel protests that highlighted tensions over tactics and political alignment.
National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) President Ella Waight emphatically distanced the labor movement from partisan politics, characterizing the union’s presence as a principled stand for workers’ rights and governmental accountability. Waight expressed strong criticism toward certain UDP supporters for their repeated attempts to breach the SSB compound perimeter, actions she stated undermined the legitimate aims of the labor protest.
“The current approach of the Opposition is creating a problematic situation,” Waight stated during the demonstration. She revealed that SSB employees, who are members of the Christian Workers Union, had considered joining the external protest but were deterred by the escalating tensions at their workplace entrance. “They are now frightened. They will not emerge,” Waight added, emphasizing that the NTUCB’s objectives were fundamentally non-confrontational and focused on substantive issues rather than political theater.
In contrasting remarks, UDP Senator Sheena Pitts rejected allegations that her party had operated beyond its protest permit parameters or intentionally attempted to violate the SSB compound. “There was no directive from party leadership for anyone to breach any building. Our demonstration strictly adhered to the permit we obtained,” Pitts asserted.
The Senator further delineated the separation between the two protesting entities, noting, “The notion of a formal alliance or coordinated strategy between the UDP and labor unions is inaccurate. If unions elect to demonstrate from across the street or another location, that is entirely their prerogative.” Despite this operational separation, Pitts acknowledged both groups were aligned in their substantive opposition to the acquisition, framing it as “a common cause for all Belizeans.”
Union leadership has subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining political independence, with News 5 confirming that labor organizations will abstain from participating in protests during Friday’s House session, opting instead to coordinate independent mobilization efforts scheduled for Tuesday.