4 days ago
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The United Democratic Party and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize met today and found common ground on several pressing national issues. The meeting came amid growing public debate over the proposed BTL acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited, which operates under the Smart brand. UDP Leader Tracy Panton said the discussions covered several areas of national concern and examined how the Opposition and the union movement could respond. She was also asked whether the meeting could lead to protest action in the coming days.
Reporter: Is there going to be like a national demonstration anytime soon?
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “I don’t think we’re at liberty to say what the plan of action is at this time but suffice to say that we agree there’s, maybe not on all initiatives, but on some initiatives there can be and will be collaboration. As we understand it there’s an emergency cabinet meeting tomorrow because the Prime Minister must be aware that he’s losing control of his cabinet and so I I think they underestimate the views of the people of this country. Civil unrest is one activity. There are several other ways to register your concern. And the Chamber serves a particular constituency, a particular membership and I am sure that their membership, that when they issue statements, they don’t do so unilaterally but it’s consultation with their membership and they have issued very strong statements on their position on the acquisition. So I believe there are going to be maybe other ways in which the Chamber can not only express their view but put pressure on government.”
NTUCB President Ella Waight, however, stressed that the engagement should not be interpreted as the trade union movement aligning itself with the UDP or any other political party. Waight said she made it clear during the meeting that the Congress’ participation was guided by national and workers’ interests, not party politics.
Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “We had to repeat that the NTUCB does not take part in any political activities. We made that very clear. But we understand their position. They are here as well. They are here today as concerned Belizeans and as opposition who has the position to ensure that the government does not get away with the illegal activities as well. So, and again, I have a meeting with the social partners this afternoon and I’ll be sharing that information with them and we see how move forward. I also explained to them any suggestions or recommendations that were brought up today I have to take back to the NTUCB as well to get approval. So there were some back and forth about how we can move forward, how we can collaborate because we are on the same page. I think the temperature of union members and workers on a whole and Belizeans on a whole is that we feel that we’ve been taken for granted, that our concerns are not being heard. And I think that’s the main thing that Belizeans do not like. When we say no and you still go ahead and do what you want to do. That means what we find concerning is not important to those leaders and that’s a very sad, bad message to send out, especially with what is happening in our country right now with all these under $10,000 payments and the perception that there may be corruption. It’s not a good time to do this.”
Both sides indicated that while they may approach the issues from different positions, they share concerns about accountability, public consultation and the protection of Belize’s national interests
English (US) ·