February 2, 2009

Pictures: Cane Farmers' Riot in Orange Walk

Northern Highway: Cane farmers protest in Orange Walk, Belize.Northern Highway: Cane farmers protest in Orange Walk, Belize.

Today, major roads leading out of Orange Walk Town were blocked by protesting sugar cane farmers. Nothing in, nothing out. What started out as a peaceful demonstration has now elevated to havoc, leaving two one Belizean dead up to this hour.

Simply put, it was like Lord of the Rings. Farmers charging at the police with sticks and stones, flags, fighting for what they believed in, but unfortunately, people power met the bullet.

You can watch Love FM's website for accurate information. For now, here are some fresh images of Cane Farmers' Riot in Orange Walk town.

Northern Highway: Cane farmers protest in Orange Walk, Belize.Northern Highway: Cane farmers protest in Orange Walk, Belize.

Cane Farmers protest at Toll Bridge, Orange Walk Town, BelizeCane Farmers protest at Toll Bridge, Orange Walk Town, Belize

Cane Farmers block tourists at Toll Bridge, Orange Walk Town, BelizeCane Farmers block tourists at Toll Bridge, Orange Walk Town, Belize

Cane Farmers Protest in front of Belize Sugar Industries, Orange Walk Town, BelizeCane Farmers Protest in front of Belize Sugar Industries, Orange Walk Town, Belize

Cane Farmers Protest in front of Belize Sugar Industries, Orange Walk Town, BelizeShells found at in front of Belize Sugar Industries, Orange Walk Town, Belize

Cane Farmers Protest in front of Belize Sugar Industries, Orange Walk Town, BelizeCane Farmers Protest in front of Belize Sugar Industries, Orange Walk Town, Belize

5 comments:

Admin said...

It looks like a war zone out there.
Isn't it interesting how people will do things in a mob or crowd that they would never do by themselves?
Some say: "There's power in numbers" I wonder, after the shooting one was dead, all by his lonesome self.

Beth said...

I think you are right Leo,

So the question remains is "the mechine" a good thing?

I think it is... for the future, although something does need to be done for the right now

Leonardo Melendez said...

@Beth: Indeed. We know cane quality is poor, but how can it be improved? Somebody needs to see to it that those farmers get the know how and that it's being practiced.

BSI probably doesn't care enough to invest in improvement because it's probably costly, rather, they leave it in the hands of the already struggling farmers.

Now, cane delivery is on hold. Either act collectively, or lose over two million per week!

Anonymous said...

How do u all think this will affect tourism on a larger scale? will it?

I'm a student and it was a question asked in my tourism class.. weh unu tink???

Leonardo Melendez said...

@Reality: You'll notice on one of the images in this post that a vehicle with Mexican plates was blocked. Many excursion buses, filled with tourists, come in and out of OW daily. Go figure.

I'm no expert but I do believe it affects tourism not on large scale though.