N.T.U.C.B. berates G.O.B. on taxes and amendments

While the problems in the health system have escalated to crisis proportions and there are concerns over proposed constitutional amendments, there are other hot button issues on the current state of affairs. This afternoon, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize took a position on a number of issues. The N.T.U.C.B. calls the increase in fuel prices unfathomable and says it is unable to comprehend why the price of fuel is almost at the same level locally as when there were record high prices on the international market. It calls on the P.M. to honour his promise to adjust fuel prices when they have exceeded the seven dollar threshold. On the increase in the price of butane, the union calls it unconscionable and unacceptable. Turning to the decrease in business tax on casinos, the union weighed in saying this is reprehensible at a time when the government is strapped for cash and the union says it cannot support a decrease in the legislated rate of fifteen percent on earnings. The N.T.U.C.B. is also objecting to the proposed constitutional amendments and it singled out the issue of dual citizenship for members of the National Assembly, on the grounds that any individual with dual citizenship has not fully embraced Belize and is not deserving of such an honour. In the release, the union reminds the government that it was elected on a platform of accountability and transparency and that the N.T.U.C.B. is prepared to ensure that the needs of the people are never again neglected.