UDP Says Telecom Merger Still Central Issue Despite Protest Chaos

While the early morning was defined by confrontations with the police and the dramatic detention of Brian “Yellowman” Audinett, the core purpose of today’s mobilization remained the substantive issue of the proposed BTL-Smart acquisition.  Despite the side-tracked headlines, the United Democratic Party maintained that the financial future of the country’s telecommunications is at stake. For a moment today, the focus shifted to the Belcan Bridge and the detention of party supporters. But for the 250 protesters gathered in the sun, the real enemy wasn’t the police line, it was a proposed deal they say will “sell out” the Belizean consumer.