[Onthebarricades] BELIZE: Unrest over hospital closure, debt

[Andy]

http://www.belizean.com/mt-static/archives/2007/05/protesters_riot.html

May 18, 2007
Protesters Riot in Belize


Belmopan, Belize 18 May 2007 (Belizean.com) - Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters in Belmopan as the House of Representatives met to consider a bill allowing government to assume a $33 million dollar debt following the failure of the privately held Universal Health Services Hospital. 

Some 4 thousand protesters from the opposition United Democratic Party, the National trade Union Congress and the Belize National Teachers' Union, marched, waved banners and taunted a heavy police presence surrounding the National Assembly Building this morning.

In the early afternoon, protesters began heckling and throwing stones at the heavily fortified security forces. A riot rapidly developed and police responded by firing tear gas cannisters and rubber bullets into the crowds. The tear gas entered the House of Representatives building nearby forcing the suspension of the House sitting. Several protesters and police officers were injured in the ensuing fracas. A number of arrests were reported.



Many windows on government buildings were smashed by protesters and a number of government vehicles vandalised.



The government of Prime Minister Musa has been rocked by several financial scandals in recent months. The latest arises out of a previously undisclosed guarantee government made for the Universal Health Services - a private hospital owned by People's United Party insiders. After the collapse of UHS, the Belize Government has now been asked by the Belize Bank to repay the $33 million dollar debt - a move opposed by most Belizeans.



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