PM Briceño Speaks on Rescinded Increase in Telephone Allowances

The rescindment of an increase in telephone allowances for C.E.O.’s was announced in a statement by the Government of Belize on Tuesday, while Cabinet was in a lengthy session.  In the wake of the announcement, the unions, as well as government ministers, weighed in on the decision to withdraw the increase.  Today, Prime Minister John Briceño told the media that the decision to rescind the increase had nothing to do with the pressure that was brought to bear by the trade unions.

Prime Minister John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“That’s something that was passed.  I mean, when the CEOs in their chat group, when they saw the figure that was said, they said it was not worth it to have that kind of negative backlash and they have willing given up that phone allowance.  So it’s no longer there.”

Reporter

“So it was not because of the unions?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It had nothing to do with the unions.  They, themselves, have agreed to say, you know, we are prepared to give it up, it’s not worth it to deal with that back and forth with anyone over that.”