Is the Lower Court Carrying Through with a Sick-out?

On Monday, the Government of Belize issued a statement responding to irresponsible misinformation being carried in other areas of the media regarding a purported sick-out by crown counsels.  This was in light of reports that several persons were absent from work on November twenty-seventh.  According to the Attorney General’s Office, only three officers are presently on approved vacation leave and that one magistrate is on sick leave.  The release went on to say that the work of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the courts continued, and, “prosecutors appeared in courts in all matters that were scheduled”.  That was yesterday.  Today, News Five is made to understand that Crown counsels from the D.P.P.’s office continue with industrial action as they reportedly are on a go-slow.  In the courtroom of Justice Candace Nanton, no Crown counsel appeared in court, nor did they join the sessions virtually.  While several inferior appeals were dealt with, they had to be adjourned.  Likewise, the matter of a homicide that took place In San Pedro could not proceed to case management conference in the absence of a Crown counsel.  Late this evening, information reaching our news desk indicated that a so-called sick out is in effect for the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court, Toledo Magistrate’s Court, San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court and Independence Magistrate’s Court.