2025-06-10 - Greater Belize Media

PSU – “We’re Prepared to Die for that Pension”

The Public Service Union is standing its ground in the fight for better pay for public workers. Today, union leaders made it clear they’re not accepting the government’s latest offer, two small salary increases spread out over three years. Early this morning, the PSU leadership team marched peacefully to the Ministry of Labor in Belmopan, where they hand-delivered a formal declaration of a trade dispute. Their message? Public officers deserve more and they’re ready to push for it. News Five’s Britney Gordon was there to capture the moment. Here’s that story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

This morning, the streets of Belmopan saw members of the Public Service Union taking to the pavement. Their destination was the Ministry of Labour. Over the weekend, PSU members made their stance crystal clear, ninety-four percent voted to reject the government’s pay offer, and ninety-two percent backed declaring a trade dispute. So today, the union’s leadership followed through, marching straight to the ministry to hand-deliver that declaration. It was a bold and peaceful show of unity, as the PSU continues its push for fairer wages and better treatment for Belize’s public officers.

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“It is not our intention to create any damage to this society, any harm to any citizen, any harm to any government property, but what we will do, we’ll stand for justice. We’re not here to bring down any government. We’re not here to push any political card. We’re here. To defend livelihoods and dignity and we pension. We wa fight for that.”

The Public Service Union has officially declared a trade dispute, using Section Eleven of the Essential Services Act to do so. Now, the ball is in the government’s court, the Minister of Labour has twenty-one days to review the case and decide if it’s valid. In the meantime, the PSU says it will keep pushing for fairer wages and better treatment for public officers.

Dean Flowers

“While the honorable Minister of State might be accustomed to having his way in the private sector, having his way in, what I believe is clearly the exploitation of labour in the private sector. I wish to serve a serious warning. It ain’t gonna happen in the public sector, my brother, because we’re prepared to die for that pension and we will die for that pension.”

The Joint Union Negotiating Team continues to demand an eight-point-five percent salary adjustment for public officers, teachers, and pensioners and an additional increase in the minimum wage for public sector workers from five to six dollars. The government, however, maintains that this is not an achievable request to meet in this fiscal year.

Dean Flowers

“Perhaps they might want to look at their economic model to ensure that we tax contribution is concerned, tax contribution is concerned, we will continue to do our part, but the private sector and more importantly, these far foreign investors must not be held accountable to pay their fair share. And the fleecing must stop where these statutory bodies are concerned. We want to see audited financial statements in the next sitting at house of representative for all of these statutory bodies.”

The Public Service Union says it’s time for the government to go back to the drawing board and restart talks with the Joint Union Negotiating Team. Until then, their fight persists.

Dean Flowers

“ On June 5th, 2025, the government wrote to the joint forming its position on the minimum wage in the public service. And subjecting a 4% salary increase to contributor pension. Subsequently, we also serve further, notice that if an amicable solution is not arrived at or before the expiration of 21 days, the union hereby notifies you of our intention to strike based on the trade dispute with the government of Belize.”

PSU President, Dean Flowers says that this is a cause that is willing to die for, but us hopeful that a resolution can be made in good faith for the benefit of Belizeans. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The PSU now awaits a response from the government to the declaration of the trade dispute.

PSU President Denounces Links to ‘High Profile Investigation’

Public Service Union President Dean Flowers is hitting back at Police Commissioner Doctor Richard Rosado, after being accused of having ties to a major investigation. The hostility began when Flowers criticized the police’s handling of a recent teachers’ protest in Dangriga, accusing Commissioner Rosado of using intimidation tactics against the demonstrators. Rosado fired back, denying the claims and instead throwing a curveball, he urged the media to ask Flowers whether his phone number is connected to a “high-profile investigation involving public officers.” So, we did just that. And here’s what Flowers had to say.

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“ I want to be very careful because. As I stated, does not have an iota of proof linking 600;5110 or 615-3110 to any investigation since the declaration of self-government since 1964. And as I stated, he, in his anger and in his emotion and his and in his failure to appreciate that what I was doing was simply saying to him, your strategy must be much more effective. You cannot govern and rule based on fear, which is what in my view, the police department attempted to do in Dangriga. Instill fear. It is no secret that the state has weaponized legislation against its citizens, primarily black men, primarily black men. It is no secret that an administration that is being accused of being a racist administration is now weaponizing the constitution retroactively against black men. And I said, I will not stand for that. Because what stops them from weaponizing the law against union leaders? Yeah. What stops them from doing that? What stops them from declaring Maya Mopan or Salva Pan or anywhere any union leader reside and so we can’t mobilize. And so we need to pay attention, and that was what I was calling out. His ego was bruised, and it’s not about me and him, it’s about the teachers and public officers, which includes him. And he needs to recognize that. He needs to recognize that if it was not for the Public Service Union of Belize, he would never be commissioner of Police. Never.”

Customs Drug Bust Sparks Major Probe; Union Leader Responds to Allegations

A major investigation is underway at the Belize Customs Department after over one hundred pounds of marijuana were discovered in early April, hidden among packages shipped from the U.S. What looked like ordinary household goods turned out to be carefully wrapped parcels of cannabis, raising red flags about a possible high-level smuggling operation with inside help. Now, the investigation has taken a dramatic turn. On Monday, Police Commissioner Doctor Richard Rosado hinted that Public Service Union President Dean Flowers might be connected to the case, suggesting that his phone number could be linked to the probe. Flowers has strongly denied any involvement. Today, when asked whether he knew of any union leaders being arrested in connection with the investigation, Flowers didn’t hold back. Here’s what he had to say.

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“I didn’t see any such report. And so I do not wish to comment on something that I’m not aware of. I to the best of my knowledge, no union leader was detained. None can and will be detained, And I can say to you, the investigating officers, it would be prudent for them to properly brief the commissioner and for the commissioner to give a press conference to express to this nation where they are with that. But I will say this, my brother, I’ve walked a straight road, especially when I took up this leadership, and I will not allow anybody to try to show low blows, shade on my character, I will not allow it. It will not work with Dean Flowers. Dean Flowers is a man of his word. That’s all I got my word. And when I choose to lead people and defend their rights and the rights of their children, because what we do, we’re fighting for good governance. I will not compromise myself. And so as I stated, I know that this matter will be drawn out and he will have to respond, but I encourage him to be very careful because his investigating officers are on record, are on record this associating whatever number he’s talking about.”

Public Officers Say Performance Reviews Are Being Used as a Weapon

Two public officers are speaking out, claiming that the system meant to measure their work is being used to punish them instead. On Monday, Gerald Henry, who still works in the public service, and retired officer Doreth Obermayer held a quiet protest outside the Ministry of Public Service in Belmopan. They say the rules and performance review system are being misused by department heads to target employees they don’t like, and they believe many others are quietly facing the same treatment. They’re calling it a “weaponization” of the Public Service Regulations. But the Office of the Auditor General, where Henry currently works, says that’s not the case. In a statement, the office said both Henry and Obermayer were flagged because they didn’t agree to follow the professional code of ethics, something required for audit work. Because of that, they weren’t given assignments or performance reviews. The office added that Henry has now been placed on an audit team, hoping this will help improve his evaluation going forward.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Government of Belize, which employs more than 15,000 public officers, requires that workers be evaluated twice a year. These performance reviews help decide who gets raises, promotions, and other rewards. But now, a senior employee at the Office of the Auditor General is speaking out, claiming the system isn’t fair. He says he received a score of zero on his most recent evaluation and believes the process is flawed. Under public service rules, it’s up to CEOs and department heads to make sure these reviews are done properly. But this latest complaint is raising serious questions about whether the system is being used fairly, or being misused to punish certain employees.

Gerald Henry, Public Officer

“We were instructed back in 2022 not to do any work in the Office of the Auditor General, absolutely nothing in October 2022. I can do nothing perfectly. Now our performance appraisal is based on the task that you do, the task assigned to us and how well we do that. That makes sense, so if you assign me a task to do nothing and I do nothing perfectly then my appraisal should reflect that, which is ten. Both myself and my colleague and another colleague of hours, we got zeros. But the thing is that the appraisal scale goes from one to ten, so how can I get a zero if the grade starts from one, and what motivates that individual, who happens to be the auditor general to give us that grade, because she was the supervisor who gave us that grade.”

The Office of the Auditor General is pushing back after Monday’s protest, saying Gerald Henry and retired officer Doreth Obermayer were flagged as “audit risks.” Why? According to the office, they refused to follow the professional code of ethics required for auditors. Because of that, previous management decided they couldn’t be trusted with audit assignments and since they weren’t doing audit work, they weren’t eligible for performance reviews either. And there’s more. Earlier this year, Henry applied for a promotion to become Supervisor of Audit. But his application was turned down.

Gerald Henry

“I believe that a lot of public officers are suffering in silence. I spoke to a lot of public officers and they told me that they are going through the same thing. I think that anyone who sacrificed to get their master’s degree, because it is not easy, a masters from UWI is not easy. So if I had to sacrifice, all that I went through was to achieve that. The reason I did that was to get promoted, elevated in the job. I didn’t do it for any other reason on that.”

While the union talks with the government are a separate issue, there’s a new twist; the government now wants to link salary increases and increments to performance reviews. But retired public officer Doreth Obermayer isn’t buying it. She says supervisors often use the appraisal system to punish workers they don’t like. Obermayer joined Gerald Henry in Monday’s protest to make that point loud and clear.

Doreth Obermayer, Retired Public Officer

“We are starting with our office and extending the invitation to other public officers who feel that injustices have been done to them, be it by the Public Service Regulations, whereby it is being used as a weapon against other public officer. So if you are not in cohort with your supervisor then the first thing they say to you, your PR is going to pay for that. Then there are other injustices as it relates to promotions where you would have completed all the necessary requirements. You have the qualification, the years of service, but because you are not in support of the injustice or the wrong things that have been done then your promotion is thrown out, put aside or not even considered.”

Henry and Obermayer say they will continue to picket until they believe their concerns have been adequately addressed. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

BNTU President Challenges GOB to Drag out Salary Negotiations

All charges have been dropped from the eleven teachers involved in a protest staged in Dangriga last week. The teachers, all members of the Belize National Teachers’ Union, were accused of disrupting the flow of traffic during a motor blockade. The situation escalated when authorities arrived at the scene and attempted to remove the teachers from the road. All charges, however, have since been dropped, much to the relief of B.N.T.U. President, Nadia Caliz. This morning in Belmopan, Police escorted the Public Service Union to the Ministry of Labour, where P.S.U. President Dean Flowers delivered a declaration of a trade dispute. While there, Caliz expressed her gratitude to the department and those who aided in getting the charges dropped, but reaffirmed her commitment to the unions’ collective mission- securing an eight-point-five salary increase for teachers and other public officers. Here’s what she had to say.

Nadia Caliz, President, Belize National Teachers Union

“I appreciate the fact that the police department is doing the right thing because the evidence is showing that they aggravated the situation. So I’m very happy for that. I also need to thank the lawyers, those who volunteered, who came forward ton for working with us. Pitts and Elrington, Mr. Saldivar, Senator Dennison, everybody that came forward to assist the BNTU, I must say. Thank you. Thank you very much for that.”

Britney Gordon

”And what are the next steps in terms of demonstrating for the union? I know you can’t exactly get into the details, but what is the plan moving forward?”

Nadia Caliz

“Lemme just say that the BNTU has its eyes on the prize, eight point five and that government needs to realize that we ain’t playing no game. And you are dragging out the negotiations and I’m watching all little dance that you’re doing and we are dancing with you because right now we want to see if you are genuine about the people, genuine about workers. You know, that is key. But right now where we sit, where the BNTU sits, you are trying to drag it up because school di close and yo think we no got no leverage. Teachers smart. Worry about reopening. So dreg it out. Worry about reopening.”

Gun Owners Unite, Demand Faster Licensing Process

Gun dealers and licensed firearm holders in Belize have come together to form the Belize Firearms Association, and they’re already taking action. In a letter dated June third, the group called out the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board for poor communication and long delays in processing license applications and renewals. According to the association, many applicants are left in the dark for weeks, even months, with no updates or feedback. That’s left people unsure whether their applications are being processed, need more documents, or have been approved or denied. To fix the problem, the association is recommending several changes: automatic acknowledgment receipts, a status check portal, a clear processing timeline, and regular public updates. Despite the criticism, the group says it’s committed to working with the board to improve the system for everyone.

Minister Backs Firearms Board Amid Criticism from Gun Dealers

Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa is standing by the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board, even as gun dealers raise serious concerns about the licensing process. Gun dealer Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded, has publicly criticized the system, saying it’s making it harder for law-abiding citizens to get the licenses they need for personal protection. He claims the process is slow, unclear, and unfair. Minister Musa responded by saying Murillo has every right to speak out, but he also questioned the dealer’s motives. Musa defended the board, calling it a step toward greater transparency and accountability in how firearm licenses are issued.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“He obviously has a right to protest regulations. Obviously a lot of gun dealers thrived when we had zero regulations with the issuing of gun licenses. WE heard many horror stories, instances of corruption, instances of paying off to get a gun license. A lot of unsavory individuals getting gun license and we have pivoted away from that. I know that is going to harm the business of gun dealers and this guy is a gun dealer right, so it going to harm his business naturally. But, he has to understand, we are operating under new circumstances, under regulations and I think the board has been doing an exceptionally good job in terms of the issuance, the vetting for gun licensing, the imposing of the requirement that you have to get a certificate that you know how to use a firearm. These are positive things, so instead of applauding these things, he is out there complaining because he is not making the kind of money he use to. I have to respect that, but at the end of the day my duty is to the Belizean people to make sure we have proper regulations in place.”

As the debate continues, applicants and gun owners say they just want a system that works, one that’s fair, efficient, and keeps everyone safe.

Motorcycles Catch Fire at Independence Police Station

Things got heated at the Independence Police Station this morning when a high-tension wire made contact with several motorcycles parked behind the building. The bikes quickly went up in flames. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the police station itself wasn’t damaged. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith shared more details about the incident.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“At approximately ten-thirty a.m. today June tenth, police officers in the Southern Regional Formation, particularly at the ICF, which is located in Independence, were alerted to a fire that was ongoing on the eastern side of that compound. The officers observed that there was a high tension wire that became undone and would have affected eight motorcycles that would have been parked on the compound and this resulted in the fire being caused. The fire service personnel were summoned and they responded, however because of the high tension wire they had to wait for BEL personnel. They arrived and the fire was contained and the extent of the damages are limited to the said eight motorcycles. The building was not affected by the fire. The motorcycles were not the motorcycles being used by the police officers. They were properties in possession of the police as abandoned property or properties whose owners cannot be identified, suspected to have been stolen.”

The value of the damages is yet to be ascertained.

Sick Belize City Woman Fined for Driving Unlicensed Vehicle to Hospital

A forty-seven-year-old Belize City woman, Shirley Adette Arnold, is facing a fine after pleading guilty to driving an unlicensed vehicle, but her reason for doing so has drawn sympathy from the court. Arnold, who suffers from serious health issues, including kidney failure and diabetes, appeared before Magistrate Ludlow Black earlier today. She admitted to using her silver Mazda Tribute on June fifth without a valid license, explaining that she was on her way to the hospital for dialysis treatment and had no one to help her. Despite having a prior conviction for the same offense, the court showed compassion. Magistrate Black fined her a hundred and five dollars, taking into account her medical condition and financial hardship. Arnold was also found to owe the court over one thousand, one hundred dollars in previous fines, but the magistrate waived that amount after she promised to make a two hundred dollar payment by Friday. Normally, those with such debts risk being remanded to prison, but in this case, the court opted for leniency.

Belize City Man Out on Bail After Alleged Robbery of Teen Girl

A Belize City man is out on bail tonight after being charged with robbery in connection to a frightening incident involving a female minor. Twenty-six-year-old Ryan Harold Herbert appeared before Magistrate Ludlow Black, where he was formally arraigned for allegedly using force to steal a red iPhone XR, a Coach purse, jewelry, and personal documents from the young victim. The incident reportedly took place last Friday night on Simon Lamb Street. According to police, the victim was walking with her mother when a man matching Herbert’s description approached from behind and snatched her belongings. Herbert was later detained and charged with robbery. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of one thousand, five hundred dollars with strict conditions, including a curfew and a no-contact order with the victim or her family. His next court appearance is scheduled for July thirtieth.