Cabinet’s Decision Could Send NTUCB Marching

Eleven demands are now on Cabinet’s table, and its response could determine whether Belize faces a national protest. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize and its social partners have outlined the changes they want from the Briceño administration, warning that failure to act could trigger nationwide demonstrations. Prime Minister John Briceño presented those demands during today’s Cabinet meeting and says the government will issue a formal response afterward. He is also pledging to strengthen relations with the unions, but will Cabinet’s answer be enough to prevent a showdown?

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is not a matter of having a response by tomorrow. But, I will have a response. As I said, I want to discuss the proposed response to Cabinet. And once we do that, we will be sending an official letter to the NTUCB. And, I must put it on record that I do recognize we probably need to work harder to have a better relationship with the NTCUB. I have to take responsibility for that. We have the DMP and three other ministers that are the direct liaison with them. So, I was just feeling that they are they ones that represent them. I am making that commitment to them they want us to meet  every quarter, well I will do my best to see how we can structure to be able to meet with them more often and to strengthen relationships.”

 

While the unions wait for a response they continue to carry out small, impromptu demonstrations at various government ministries and statutory bodies across the country.

 

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.

 

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