Cabinet Meeting Holds Key to Looming Bus Crisis

The buses are still running, but the threat of another shutdown has not disappeared. The Belize Bus Association postponed its protest after the government agreed to place its fuel subsidy request before Cabinet today. Now, bus operators and thousands of commuters are waiting to see whether that promise produces a solution. Prime Minister John Briceño says the association has the right to take industrial action, but he is optimistic that his administration can strike a deal with operators and avoid a second public transport shutdown this year.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño 

“I always start with the premise, Belize is an independent country and we all have a right to decide what we want to do that is in our best interest as long as it does not impede in the interest of other Belizeans. And if the bus association or anybody feel that they want to strike for whatever reason, that is their right. I do recognize there is a serious challenge with the cost of diesel, over fifteen dollars. We as government has been doing our part in cutting, or trying to reduce some of the burdens of taxes on diesel. And we know they are struggling and we do not want them to pass that burden on our consumers. So today we will have a discussion in Cabinet and I believe we will find a common ground where there will be no need for them to strike and to be able to continue to operate and provide services for citizens.”

 

Just before news time we confirmed with BBA President Phillip Jones and The Director of Transport at the Ministry of Transport that Cabinet has approved the association’s request for fuel subsidy. We will provide comprehensive coverage on this development in our Thursday newscast.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: