PM Briceño Agrees to Drop 13th Amendment After Union Talks

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) says the Government has agreed not to proceed with the proposed 13th Constitutional Amendment. The union and several other entities, including attorneys, raised objections last year when this proposal was opened for public discussions.

NTUCB President Ella Waight confirmed that Prime Minister John Briceño made the commitment during a meeting held on December 15.

“It will no longer be achieved as an amendment to the Constitution but instead will be made to the changes to the criminal code that will require SOEs to be approved through the National Security Council,” Waight said. “And for that, that is more progressive; that is more inclusive of ensuring that the matter is addressed the way it should be addressed.”

Campaign financing reform was also a key issue raised during the meeting. Waight said unregulated political funding fuels corruption and limits the State’s ability to meet workers’ demands.

“We always hear about corruption when it comes to campaigning and when it comes to election day, and because of the limited resources we have in this country, they must be spent wisely. We cannot allow businesses or large entities or people with great finances sponsoring parties when it comes to election time, and then they have to reimburse these favors,” she said. “That then takes away from workers in ensuring that we get. Basic things such as a salary adjustment.

Other matters discussed included redistricting, occupational safety and health legislation, public sector reform, and delays in pension payments.

According to Waight, Briceño is committed to completing redistricting by the end of 2026 and agreed to quarterly meetings with the NTUCB.

The union said continued engagement with the Government is critical to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening accountable governance for Belizeans.