2025-06-08 - Greater Belize Media

Ongoing negotiations over pension concerns continue between the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union (KHMHAWU) and the Briceño administration.

A letter sent by the KHMHA Board Chairman on June 5 claimed GOB proposed to contribute 4% retroactively to the KHMHA Employee Provident Fund for 2001–2018, and that the Union countered with a demand for 7%.

The letter also stated that “the KHMHAWU will refer this matter to their membership and consider not taking any form of industrial action during that period.”

But KHMHAWU President Andrew Baird flatly rejected that narrative.

In a formal response letter, the union clarified no counterproposal was made. “The KHMHAWU did not table a counterproposal to GOB’s offer of 4% retroactive contributions,” Baird said in the letter. He explained that the 4% was cited only to demonstrate its inadequacy compared to severance payouts.

Baird added that the union remains firm on its demand for a pension scheme. “The Union’s formal position remains aligned with its longstanding mandate from membership: the establishment of a pension, not a Provident Fund,” Baird stated. “Any departure from this position must be explicitly mandated by membership through due process.”

Baird also responded to the Board Chairman’s statement suggesting that the Union would refrain from industrial action during the review period. In his letter, he clarified that such a commitment cannot be made without the union’s membership decision.

“With respect to the request for a period of no industrial action while the proposal is being reviewed, we must reiterate that such a decision rests solely with the Union’s membership,” Baird stated. “The leadership of KHMHAWU cannot unilaterally commit to a moratorium on industrial action without the express approval of the membership through the proper internal procedures.”

According to Baird, the letter does not reflect what was discussed in the meeting held Thursday.

A revised proposal is expected from the government by June 20. ” We await a proposal that is favorable to the affected KHMHA staff, who have borne the burden of this unresolved issue with significant implications for their long-term financial security,” Baird added.

A global push to strengthen protections for the world’s oceans began today in the city of Nice, France, where 30 research and exploration vessels sailed into the Bay of Angels to mark the opening of the third United Nations Ocean Conference. The launch coincided with the annual celebration of World Oceans Day.

This year’s parade theme is “Ocean Wonders,” which aims to draw attention to the importance of ocean conservation and inspire stronger commitments from governments. World leaders, scientists, and NGOs will gather to address ocean issues such as rising sea temperatures, overfishing, and marine pollution.

At the centre of this year’s conference is the drive to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which was agreed in 2023. Belize made history in 2024 by becoming the first Caribbean nation to formally ratify the agreement.

The Treaty will come into effect once 60 countries have signed and ratified it and enable nations to establish marine protected areas in international waters for the first time.

According to the High Seas Alliance’s Treaty Ratification Tracker, “The clock is ticking,” with 28 more countries still needed to ratify the Treaty before it can enter into force and become the world’s first international law focused on the conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

“The High Seas Treaty is critical to ensuring we can protect biodiversity in the ocean,” said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. “We’re in the middle of a biodiversity and climate crisis. We absolutely have to protect the ocean to address those crises.”

Sílvia Tavares from the Oceano Azul Foundation added, “The ambition is not there, the speed is not there, and the scale has not been there.”

Following today’s parade sail, the “Ocean Wonders” vessels will remain docked in the city’s bay and open to the public until 13 June.

Tag: 2025-06-08

KHMH Union to GOB: ‘Wheel and Come Again’

World Oceans Day: “The Clock is Ticking”