Cabinet Rejects Several NTUCB Demands, Offers Alternatives
Cabinet has rejected several of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize’s (NTUCB) eleven demands while offering timelines and further discussions on some of the union’s proposals.
One of the NTUCB’s demands is the removal of BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga and government-appointed board members. Cabinet says there is no basis under company law for their removal. The government also says BTL recorded record-high profits in the last financial year and that the termination of the proposed Speednet acquisition is not a reasonable basis for removing board members.
Cabinet also rejected the proposed tripartite governance structure at BTL It said union representation already exists through the Belize Social Security Board. It also rejected the proposed restructuring of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), mentioning the commission’s status as an autonomous institution.
On the requested liaison in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet welcomed greater collaboration with the Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT) and proposed quarterly meetings with the NTUCB.
Cabinet says the final draft of the Protected Disclosures Bill has been sent to the NTUCB and Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry for review, with a meeting scheduled for October 22. On campaign finance legislation, the government says drafting has begun and the legislation is expected to reach Cabinet for review by December 8, 2026.
The government says work is also underway to establish the Civil Recovery Authority Unit (CARU) within the Financial Intelligence Unit under the Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Act, 2023.
Cabinet also says the process to fill the vacant Ombudsman post is progressing, with the Ombudsman Reports Committee expected to submit recommendations before a resolution is tabled in the Senate.
Cabinet rejected the proposal to withdraw the Revenue Authority Bill, 2026, saying the government remains committed to establishing a semi-autonomous revenue authority. It says it will continue working with the Public Service Union and Tax Department staff to address concerns about the transition.
Teacher-specific demands include further discussions on August duties and the proposed classroom resource allowance. At the University of Belize, the government says its annual subvention has increased from $7.6 million in 2020 to $10 million in 2026, with a commitment to increase it by $1 million annually from 2027 until it reaches $15 million.
Cabinet also says the Financial Assistance Program Policy introduced in June 2026 has already established a standardised process for grants, scholarships and stipends, addressing the UBFSU’s call for reform of financial assistance.
Cabinet said it could not agree to all of the NTUCB’s proposals but remains committed to consultation and continued engagement with the NTUCB.