2 weeks ago
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Prime Minister John Briceño has informed the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) that his administration has decided to stand down on the proposed 13th Constitutional Amendment and is instead pursuing an alternative approach. Love News understands that the Prime Minister made this disclosure during a meeting held in December with leaders of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). During that engagement, union representatives raised concerns and expressed reservations about the proposed amendment. According to Ella Waight, President of the NTUCB, the issue was openly discussed, with unions outlining their doubts and seeking clarity on the government’s intentions. President Waight says the union movement welcomed the opportunity for dialogue and made it clear that aspects of the proposed amendment raised constitutional and governance concerns among their membership.
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “As you know, there was a lot of discussion around this and that. Citizens not feeling safe with within the changes that would happen. The Prime Minister stated that this will no longer be achieved as an amendment to the constitution but instead as a change to criminal code. And we welcome that conversation and we will continue that conversation as well. That is what he that is what he indicated to us. We had sister Sharon Fraser that was discussing this topic because it came up in our general council and he stated that because we told him that we do not see this 13th amendment passing with the approval of citizens of Belize. And he stated exactly that, that it would not be achieved as an amendment but to be changed under the criminal code that would require SOEs to be approved through the National Security Council. That is where the change would happen.”
Beyond the 13th Constitutional Amendment, Waight explained that several other national matters were also addressed during the December meeting, including broader labour issues and the importance of continued consultation between government and organized labour.
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “We discussed campaign financing legislation and around that issue we will have to create a team now with BCCI and NTUCB to collaborate to review regional legislation and then return back to the PM with what we recommend. The redistricting conversation came up, the prime minister has committed after explaining why we’re not there, has committed to completing this process by the end of 2026 and we will hold that commitment and we will ensure that we get updates throughout the year because he has committed along with his team to quarterly meetings with the NTUCB. We also discussed the OSH Bill which is very important to workers of this country. Yes, it has been tabled at the House but the second reading is pending and that is expected to be passed within the first half of 2026 so we’re looking forward to that as well. There were other discussions on SARA. SARA will not take effect until October 2026. The PSU ensured that the conversation continues with this. They are a part of the conversation and we agreed to certain terms and certain meetings that has to happen with SARA. Another important topic that we brought up with the Prime Minister was the issue of teachers who are awaiting their gratuity and the recommendation from Sister Caliz is that they create a committee, establish a committee to actively identify and compile those individuals district by district who have not received their retirement benefits, and then reach out to them on an individual basis. So that committee will be formed as well to ensure that we meet that target as well throughout 2026.”
The government has not yet publicly outlined the alternative move via the Criminal Code.
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