分类： society

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – January 27, 2026 – Tensions erupted into outright chaos today at the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) compound as protesters breached security barriers in vehement opposition to a proposed $80 million corporate acquisition. The demonstration, initially organized by United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), rapidly escalated beyond control.

What began as a structured protest degenerated into pandemonium when UDP adherents, spearheaded by prominent member Brian ‘Yellow Man’ Audinett, forcefully bypassed the main entrance and overwhelmed police barricades. Law enforcement personnel deployed pepper spray in a largely unsuccessful attempt to stem the surging crowd, resulting in a tense, ten-minute standoff at the building’s entrance.

Amid the turmoil, Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang positioned himself between the advancing protesters and police lines, vocally advocating for calm and order. The situation only de-escalated when UDP Leader Tracy Panton intervened directly, urging her supporters to withdraw and declaring their protest objectives successfully achieved.

The core grievance driving today’s events centers on BTL’s impending provisional approval to acquire telecommunications competitor Speednet. As a publicly-owned entity, this proposed merger has sparked significant public outcry and allegations of governmental corruption.

In statements to the press, Leader Panton asserted that the demonstration successfully postponed the BTL board’s decision-making meeting, while simultaneously vowing continued resistance against the administration, which she labeled ‘the most corrupt.’ When questioned about potential legal consequences for her supporters’ actions, Panton unequivocally stated, ‘We got their back.’

The incident underscores deepening political and social fractures regarding corporate governance and public asset management in Belize, setting the stage for further confrontations.

In a tense confrontation at the BTL headquarters on January 27, 2026, Area Representative Lee Mark Chang became an unexpected peacemaker by physically positioning himself between agitated protesters and the building’s entrance. The demonstration, organized to oppose a controversial deal between the government and BTL members, had escalated to the brink of violence as protesters attempted to push inside the facility.

Chang, representing the Mesopotamia constituency, articulated his rationale for intervention during an exchange with journalist Paul Lopez. ‘We must ensure we do not transform our legitimate rights into wrongful actions,’ Chang emphasized. ‘Our purpose is to demonstrate and communicate our demands to the government and BTL leadership—specifically, we demand greater transparency and access to information regarding this deal.’

The representative underscored his commitment to non-violence despite the charged atmosphere. ‘While we possess the right to demonstrate, we do not have the right to destroy property or storm buildings,’ he stated. His intervention occurred precisely as protesters breached the compound perimeter, potentially escalating the situation further.

When questioned about his specific messaging to the frontline demonstrators, Chang reiterated his philosophical approach: ‘Do not make your right a wrong.’ This principle guided his successful de-escalation efforts, preventing what could have developed into a destructive confrontation. The protest highlights growing public demand for governmental and corporate transparency in business dealings affecting community interests.

BELIZE CITY – In a tense standoff on January 27, 2026, a clear strategic divergence emerged between labor unions and a more militant protest faction outside the BTL compound on Saint Thomas Street. While demonstrators clashed with police, the nation’s leading union bodies, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the Public Service Union (PSU), deliberately held their ground, opting for a calculated display of restraint rather than escalation.

NTUCB President Ella Waight articulated a philosophy of measured pressure, framing the day’s action as a serious but preliminary warning to the government. ‘We are very responsible people out here and we can send that message loudly without storming the building,’ Waight stated, emphasizing a commitment to safety and a distinct methodology from other protesters. She characterized the peaceful demonstration as ‘just the beginning,’ intended to compel authorities to halt their current process and avoid provoking a more severe response.

The rhetoric intensified with PSU President Dean Flowers, who delivered a stark, personal ultimatum to Prime Minister John Briceño. While explicitly stating his union is not currently advocating violence, Flowers issued a grave reminder of Briceño’s own past opposition rhetoric. ‘I want to remind you of that sir, one of you will get hurt if you continue to exploit Belizeans and this country in the manner you are doing,’ Flowers declared, signaling that the unions’ patience has a defined limit. This statement underscores a building crisis of confidence between organized labor and the administration, positioning the peaceful protest not as an endpoint but as a critical juncture in a potentially escalating conflict.

The coastal town of Punta Gorda has elevated its status as Belize’s cultural heartland with the inauguration of an $800,000 Welcome Center, strategically positioned along the shoreline to greet visitors with panoramic ocean views and immersive cultural experiences. This architectural landmark emerged through vibrant celebrations featuring traditional marimba music and dancers in authentic attire, symbolizing the district’s living cultural tapestry.

Punta Gorda Mayor Carlos Galvez emphasized the town’s unique cultural composition, stating, ‘While Dangriga is recognized as the Culture Capital, Punta Gorda Town and Toledo District possess the essential ingredient of diverse culture. All ethnic groups are represented here, and we must capitalize on this richness.’

The facility serves dual purposes as both an informational hub and cultural showcase, directing travelers to ecological wonders like the Snake Cayes, archaeological sites including Lubaantun and Nimlipunit, and cocoa cultivation experiences. Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler declared southern Belize the nation’s tourism growth frontier, revealing that international consultants from the Caribbean, United States, and Canada consistently describe Toledo’s potential as ‘wealth untold.’

Toledo East Area Representative Osmond Martinez employed metaphorical imagery, comparing the district’s development to ‘a diamond undergoing its essential polishing process before reaching the market.’ The center transcends mere aesthetics, designed specifically to advance the regional tourism sector.

Within its walls, visitors encounter the ‘Pieces for Peace’ exhibition curated by cultural scholar Dr. Ludwig Palacio, artistically integrating Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Mestizo, and Creole influences. This artistic narrative promotes unity through cultural diversity, reflecting the region’s historical strengths.

Efren Perez, President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, highlighted the center’s strategic importance: ‘This provides our Toledo chapters with a platform to enhance tourism visibility, collaborate with stakeholders, and showcase the region’s offerings to both domestic and international visitors.’ The Punta Gorda Welcome Center now stands as a permanent celebration of multicultural heritage and a gateway to southern Belize’s distinctive experiences.

The Belize Customs and Excise Department marked International Customs Day with a public information fair at Battlefield Park in Belize City on January 27, 2026. The event featured collaborative displays from key national agencies including the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize Port Authority, and the Statistical Institute of Belize.\n\nComptroller Estella Bailey-Leslie used the occasion to honor twenty customs officers receiving the World Customs Organization’s Award of Merit for exemplary service. In her address, Bailey-Leslie emphasized the dual mission of her department: facilitating legitimate trade while protecting national security.\n\nRecent operational statistics reveal the department’s significant impact—customs officials intercepted thousands of undeclared and prohibited items throughout 2025 while simultaneously collecting millions in government revenue, exceeding financial projections. The department processed tens of thousands of import and export declarations, demonstrating both efficiency and effectiveness in trade facilitation.\n\nThe year’s theme, \”Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,\\” reflects the expanding responsibilities of modern customs operations. Beyond revenue collection, officers confront increasingly sophisticated threats including illicit drugs, firearms trafficking, counterfeit goods, and complex financial schemes.\n\nComptroller Bailey-Leslie congratulated the award recipients, encouraging them to \”continue to strive for excellence in both personal and professional endeavors and inspire others to do the same.\” The celebration underscored that customs work extends far beyond financial collection, encompassing daily vigilance and security protection for all Belizeans.