Unions “Protest” Without Permit After Police Denial at SSB

In the days leading up to today’s demonstration, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) had applied for its own permit to protest. However, that request was denied by the police department, with officials suggesting that the unions simply “team up” with the UDP. For the unions, this was not an ideal solution, as they sought to maintain an independent stance on the acquisition, separate from the political fray of the opposition.  Despite the lack of a formal permit, the unions refused to be sidelined. A group of union members made a notable appearance this morning, holding placards and walking in continuous motion in front of the SSB building, a tactic used to demonstrate their presence without technically violating the order against a stationary protest. For NTUCB President Ella Waight, the presence of the workers is about more than just a merger; it is about the right to know how their social security contributions are being used.

Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “They are Belizeans as well like us. The issues are very similar but the approach that we are making is different from theirs in the sense that we are here simply, basically protecting the workers’ interests of this country and of course Belizeans. We had invited our members to be all here at 12 o’clock. That means we just have to keep walking the streets because they can’t do us anything if we’re walking, that is what we’ll do.”

The sentiment was shared by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), a powerhouse within the labor movement known for its history of industrial action. National President Nadia Caliz was on the ground to remind the administration that the unions are not easily discouraged by a denied permit. According to Caliz, today was just the beginning of a broader campaign for transparency.

UNION PROTEST 2

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