Government Slams Opposition Absence During OSH Bill Debate

Members of the government side have condemned the absence of members of the Opposition United Democratic Party during debate on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill in the House of Representatives.  Ministers Kevin Bernard, Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Henry Usher expressed concern that the lack of participation came at a time when legislators were discussing legislation aimed at improving workplace protections, safety standards, and enforcement mechanisms for Belizean workers across multiple industries.  With the opposition missing, there was no debate on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, a situation that triggered much criticism.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health: “I find it deeply disappointing that on the second reading of such an important and long overdue piece of legislation, a bill that directly protects the lives, health, and safety of  Belizean workers, the opposition chose boycott over responsibility. One has to ask, one has to ask, does the Leader of the Opposition and the UDP truly care about Belizean worker ?

Because if they did Madam Speaker, they would be here in this house today debating, contributing and standing up of the very people this occupational safety and health bill is designed to protect. Madam Speaker, leadership is not about absence. Leadership is about showing up.”

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Senior Minister: “I must endorse the statement of the member from Orange Walk East that it is a deep disappointment that there is nobody on that side of the house, on the other side of the house today. It is a crying shame as a matter of fact, Madam Speaker, because this occupational safety and health bill goes to the root of our Belizean reality and the protection of all persons involved.”

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “You have heard my colleagues say that it’s a shame that the opposition is not here. And I agree with them but in reality, even when they are here, they don’t contribute anything. So they are not missed, Madam Speaker. And we are here to get the people’s work done, and that is what we are going to do. But Madam Speaker, even when they had the opportunity, when they were on this side of the house, 13 long years, they did not look out for the Belizean people. They did not look out for the workers of Belize. They did not put this bill as a priority. No, Madam Speaker, they tossed it and said they would not be looking at it. Madam Speaker, so maybe it’s a good thing they’re not here because they would have wanted to take credit for this bill this afternoon. But the Belizean people know exactly how this bill got to where it is.”

As the seats on the UDP side were empty at today’s sitting, former UDP Chairman, Alberto August did make a show outside along with UDP Mayor Earl Trapp.  According to the two gentlemen they were merely passing through.

Alberto August, Former UDP Chairman: “We were just passing through Belmopan and we said to stop a little while up here to see what was happening.”

Reporter: What’s your take on what’s happening out here ? 

Alberto August, Former UDP Chairman: “I just see that members of the People’s United Party are here to support their government and this irregular activity that’s all.” 

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio: “Like Alberto August said we were passing through from Belize to San Ignacio and we decided to stop by and see what’s going on out here.”

Reporter: What do you make of the delay in the house meeting ? 

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio: “To be honest everything happening in my humble opinion is absurd. This is not making any sense and basically you guys already know the UDP’s position, you know the Union’s position and genuinely the people’s position in respect to what the transaction is all about in the house today.” 

Reporter: You are bold to come out here wearing red and two in such small numbers, out numbered out here.

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio: “Sir I am a Belizean and I am free to travers within this country. So why I mean I should not have don anybody wrong.”

What kind of irregular questions are you asking men ?

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio: “I’m a Belizean. I’m passing through.”

Reporter: But you know your party wouldn’t be out here at this point in time. 

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio: “Yes. I know that for sure because my party leader keeps me abreast of the situation so I know that they wouldn’t have been here. I know the unions wouldn’t have been here so yes we are passing through.”

Reporter: And why do you stand in support of your party and your leader boycotting today’s meeting.? 
Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio: “Well boss we all know that this transaction, the acquisition of Smart to BTL it makes absolutely no sense.”

For today, the UDP has been rather silent on their boycotting of the day’s proceedings.