Senator warns that public is losing patience

Panelists for this morning’s forum included Financial Secretary Dr. Carla Barnett, accountant Arsenio Burgos and Senator Godwin Hulse. While Barnett and Burgos focused on the specific amendments proposed, Hulse maintained that many of the proposals now under consideration had been included in a document presented to the Government of Belize in January 2000 by the Public Sector Reform Council.

Godwin Hulse, Senator
?It is a feeling within the private sector and in the wider society that the reluctance of G.O.B.(Government of Belize), which seems to always have to be pressured into doing what the people are demanding is very sad. It be concluded that without the present situation, which forces the business community together with the unions and the other social partners to take a firm stand, nothing by way of consideration of these long recommended changes for improved financial management and control would have been considered. I must hasten to add of course that the recommendations that were passed did give impetus to some changes and some growth and I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the Government on those initiatives because the rest of this report will obviously condemn them for not having moved in the areas that we felt they should have moved.?

?Therefore, Mr. Prime Minister, I consider that the people have already spoken loud and clear to these issues. It is no longer a consultative process that the people are requiring, but simply immediate implementation. And while we may be closing the gate after the horses ran away, at least if the proper oversight mechanisms are in place it may contain future young stallions who may want to follow in the footstep of their elders. Mr. Prime Minister, do it now. I would urge the Government to make all the necessary changes; the time was five years ago. The peoples? patience may be wearing thin.?