BBA Accuses Transport Minister of Acting in Bad Faith

The Belize Bus Association (BBA) is accusing Transport Minister Dr Louis Zabaneh of acting in bad faith over the appointment of Oswin Blease to the National Bus Company (NBC) advisory committee.

The BBA claims Blease is not a member of the association and lacks the experience to represent bus operators. In a press release, they suggested his appointment was politically motivated and aimed at sidelining the BBA.

Dr Zabaneh rejected the accusation, saying Blease was selected for his participation in recent consultations. “Mr. Blease brings a wealth of experience in the business. He has been to all consultations. We feel he will be instrumental in bringing that perspective to the process,” Zabaneh said.

When asked if Blease is a member of the BBA, Zabaneh said, “I guess he is an operator, a listed operator, and if they claim that all the operators are members of the BBA, I guess he is.”

The minister added that the BBA executive was not consulted on Blease’s appointment. “It is an advisory committee to my ministry, and I made the final choice,” he stated.

The BBA maintains the process lacks equity and transparency.