PM Briceño Responds to Unions’ 90-Day Deadline for BTL, PUC Reforms

Prime Minister John Briceño has also responded briefly to the ninety-day deadline issued by the joint unions for changes to be made to the oversight of BTL and the Public Utilities Commission.  Among the demands is the restructuring of BTL’s Board to follow a tripartite model, giving representation to the Government, the business community and organized labour.  NTUCB President Ella Waight says similar arrangements already exist on bodies such as the Social Security Board and the University of Belize Board. She argues that broader representation at BTL would improve accountability, transparency and public confidence.

When asked this afternoon about the deadline and the proposed changes, the Prime Minister gave a brief response.  

Reporter: In relation to the 90 day deadline that’s been given by the NTUCB in relation to enactment of legislation, I think bringing into force one legislation passed already and also changes to like the PUC commission and I think the BTL board Will the government comply with those or see them in the streets ? 

John Briceño, Prime Minister:  “We’ll take a look at it.”

Reporter: Can you see being a possibility a tripartite leadership system at the BTL board level ? 

John Briceño, Prime Minister:  “I would have to take a look at it. I can’t comment on what I have not decided on.”

Reporter: Does BTL pull back its application before the PUC ?

John Briceño, Prime Minister:  “I have no idea.”

NTUCB President Ella Waight says the demands were drafted following a meeting on Monday involving the unions and social partners from the churches and the Belize Network of NGOs.