Senators Says no Questions Answered in BTL Acquisition

Though organized separately, the opposition and the unions echoed the same concerns over transparency and accountability. And while Belize’s independent senators weren’t on the ground today, their voices were still part of the chorus, raising fresh objections during a press conference. Senator Janelle Chanona says despite repeatedly flagging their concerns, the senators have yet to receive any response, keeping the pressure squarely on government and decision makers.

 

Janelle Chanona, NGO Senator

“We continue to advocate for meaningful consultation. We believe this issue, this discussion, this national conversation is a prime case study for use of a transparent mechanism so that we can be accountable to the people and say, this is where the public stands on this, and there go. Therefore, this is the decision being made. That consultation must be meaningful. We have certainly been aware of various press releases from various entities having had the benefit of our presentation. We certainly have shared our individual questions on this and there has been no response via the public domain or directly to us, and I think it is important for us as citizens to embrace our role in this, given the implications or the potential implications. And I don’t know about you, but when toothpaste comes out of the tube and it’s too much, you can’t put it back in. So precautionary approach and making sure that we’re going into this decision and decisions of this nature. National decisions informed and confident and making sure that we are putting forward the best interest of the nation. So this would be our continued position on this matter.”