Chanona Warns Democracy Needs Real Engagement

And in step with the growing criticism of the proposed BTL–Speednet deal, another prominent voice is weighing in. This morning, Senator Janelle Chanona released a statement stressing just how crucial meaningful public consultation is, not just as a formality, but as a cornerstone of Belize’s modern democracy. She argues that real consultation must be more than a symbolic gesture. It needs to be transparent, inclusive, and done early enough for people’s input to genuinely shape the final decision. According to Chanona, that kind of engagement leads to stronger policies because it pulls from lived experiences, flags challenges before they explode, and even sparks innovation. But she also issued a warning: shutting the public out doesn’t just weaken trust, it empowers entrenched interests, erodes democratic institutions, and fuels cynicism. Pointing to global trends where autocracies now outnumber democracies, Chanona reminded Belizeans that democracy cannot be taken for granted. Her message today: if Belize wants to protect its freedoms and strengthen its democratic resilience, public consultation must be at the center of how national decisions are made.