NTUCB Denied Protest Permit to Demonstrate at SSB Office

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) says it was denied a police permit to stage a protest in front of the Social Security Board (SSB) office in Belize City.

NTUCB President Ella Waight told New Five that the union had applied for a permit to demonstrate between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, aiming to allow workers to join during their lunch break. However, she said the request was rejected because the United Democratic Party (UDP) had already applied for a protest permit.

Waight described the denial as “very concerning”, arguing that the union followed the legal process and that workers have a constitutional right to protest. She added that she was spoken to “very rudely” by an officer who suggested the union join the UDP demonstration or apply for another day.

While both the NTUCB and UDP oppose the acquisition, Waight stressed that the union’s agenda is distinct. She said the NTUCB’s focus is on protecting workers’ contributions to the SSB, which holds 34.2% of shares in BTL.

“This is not to say we are going against Social Security Board,” Waight explained. “We are encouraging them to please do the right thing. Wait until you get the information, then share that information with us… workers and even employers who contribute to the scheme have a right.”

Waight urged Belizeans to join the union’s demonstration, even briefly, to show support for transparency and competition in the telecommunications sector. “It doesn’t have to deal with red or blue,” she said. “I’m asking Belizeans to come out; even if you can’t take an hour off, if it’s 10 minutes, come out and support what you feel is right in getting the information so you can make a sober decision on your own.”