B.T.I.A. says G.O.B. must be held accountable
It is one of the few local organisations that isn’t afraid to throw in its two cents when it comes to saying their piece on government decisions. Today, the Belize Tourism Industry Association held its mid-year review. According to B.T.I.A. President, Lucy Fleming, the recent expressions of public outcry against the government have impacted the tourism industry. According to Fleming, sound governmental policies improve the tourism product and Belize’s competitiveness with the rest of the world. Tonight the B.T.I.A. is asking for support from their members and the general public to keep up the vigilance to ensure proper management and sustainability of this vital industry.
Lucy Fleming, President, B.T.I.A.
?After all, our livelihoods, our families, and the livelihoods of at least twenty-five percent of the population are at stake in tourism. It is also true that Belize is going through a period where many people are demanding more accountability and transparency from government and that entails greater participation by people and organizations in government processes and decisions. In short, we simply cannot afford to be passive. I honestly and passionately believe that greater participation results in a better government and a better country, which to come full circle, results in a better tourism product, higher standard of living, and a healthier nation. So I suppose I?m returning to the theme of why are we here, and I want to convey my excitement, which I?m sure is shared by all of us here today that midway through this year we have found many solid answers to that question. And if the rest of the year is anything like the first half, ?why are we here?? will be replaced by ?what next??
What is next for the B.T.I.A. is the judicial review of the Carnival contract in the Supreme Court, scheduled for May twelfth and thirteenth. B.T.I.A. initiated proceedings in late 2004 when it learnt of the agreement signed between the Government of Belize, the Carnival Corporation, and Belize Ports Limited. They will be represented in court by senior counsel Lois Young Barrow.
