Austin Petillo Challenges ‘Unjust’ Dismissal by Dangriga Council

On Wednesday night, we brought you the story of a growing legal battle involving the Dangriga Town Council. Tonight, that story deepens. Former Town Administrator Austin Petillo is now officially taking the council to court, claiming his sudden dismissal was not only unjustified but also a breach of contract. Petillo says he was entitled to remain in the post until April 2027. Today, we spoke with his attorney, Orson Elrington, who is laying out how they expect this legal fight to unfold, and what it could mean for both sides.

 

Orson “OJ” Elrington, Attorney-at-law

“Mr. Petillo was hired by the Dangriga Town Council as the Town Administrator. Mr. Petillo had been living in the U.S. at the time and the recruited him for his professional services. Sometime shortly he came, he signed the contract, a fixed term contract, and he started to implement the procedures that govern the town council. And regrettably, he met some political interference when he tried to ensure the rules were being complied with. Thereafter he was constructively dismissed and sent a letter terminating his employment. It is my understanding that he has been in discussions with them, tried to resolve the matter without the intervention of an attorney or the court, without any meaningful resolution. As a last resort, he has started the process of a lawsuit against the Dangriga Town Council. As you would know, the first step of any litigation in Belize is for a pre-litigation letter to be sent, that has been sent and received by the Dangriga Town Council, and we are waiting for a response.”

 

Elrington says the Dangriga Town Council is already consulting its attorneys on its next move.

 

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: