Transferred Police Officers Still Owed Allowances Months Later

We’re learning tonight that dozens of police officers could be owed money that they’ve been waiting on for months, and in some cases, years. News Five has been reliably informed that as many as two dozen officers who were transferred or promoted are still waiting for their transfer grants, housing allowances, and salary adjustments. In one case, an officer promoted and transferred to Belize City more than a year ago is reportedly still waiting for any increase in pay or allowances, even as the cost of working far from home continues to add up. In another, an officer transferred from Belmopan to Belize City has been waiting for nearly two years, commuting daily, and still without those promised payments. When we reached out to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Executive Officer Rear Admiral Elton Bennett told us he was not aware of the delays but stressed that there has been no change in policy and that officers will receive what they’re entitled to. The President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Ella Waight, also weighed in, saying the union is ready to support the affected officers as they seek answers and relief.

 

Ella Waight, President, NTUCB

“We at NTUCB, we are open to this discussion. They can reach out to us. Our number is all over Facebook and the media. We can assist, but if we don’t know what the issue is we cannot assist. We don’t just represent unionized workers. We represent workers of this country. But for us to know what is happening they can reach out to us, or if they feel more comfortable they can go directly to the Public Service Union. They can do that as well. Brother Dean is always available and ready to stand up for public service workers. They can reach out, because that should not be an issue with time and age. That should not be an issue and if it comes from being vindictive, that is something we would stand up for as NTUCB.”