Teachers’ Union Comes Out Against Franz Parke

The Belize National Teachers’ Union is joining in on the backlash against the proposed appointment of Franz Parke to the Court of Appeal. In a statement released today it questioned Parke’s qualifications. Citing Section 101 of the Constitution, it argues that Parke, from his widely publicized C.V., has neither served as a judge in the Commonwealth within the past fifteen years, nor is otherwise highly qualified and experienced, Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s defense notwithstanding. And speaking of the Prime Minister, it questions the loophole that allows him to say he is consulting with the Leader of the Opposition when in this case he only sent a letter advising of the appointment and claimed that there was nothing additional to say when the Opposition Leader wrote back asking for further details of Parke’s background. The B.N.T.U. joins the Bar Association and others in rejecting the consideration, questioning the P.M.’s relationship with his former classmate, and asking for his reconsideration. The union says it stands with those who have challenged the appointment in court and refuse to sit in front of Parke if he is appointed.