Cabinet to Discuss Diasporans’ Concerns

Godwin Hulse

There are two issues that appear to be in conflict and are consuming the national debate on the ongoing re-registration. There is the issue of how the law treats Belizeans living overseas and the issue of Guatemalans who can register and vote.  BUFERHD, a group representing Belizeans living abroad, has written to the Prime Minister requesting a meeting to discuss what the group describes as the “disenfranchisement of tens of thousands of Diasporans from re-registering.” Those living abroad and wanting to re-register must live in the country for at least two months before being able to do so. It is a legal requirement which the group wants amended because they say Belizeans living abroad are unable to meet the two months residency requirement.  Today the substantive Minister for Immigration Godwin Hulse told News Five that it is a matter that will be discussed by Cabinet on Tuesday.

Godwin Hulse, Minister of Immigration

“From where I sit, my Belizean people are my Belizean people. The two month waiting period is part of the law and the rule and we are a country of laws and rules. So the Elections and Boundaries Committee has to abide by that. But an appeal is being made, an appeal which clearly Cabinet has to look at and consider and which parliament has to look at and consider. Laws can be changed. The man is not made for the law; law is made for the man. So it is something to consider. It is has never come up before in any formal way. It has come up in the people saying ‘Oh, I cannot come home’. But our Belizean people are our Belizean people, our Belizean people.”

Hipolito Novelo

“What is the likelihood that the law might be amended because of these pleas?”

Godwin Hulse

“Well let me not preempt it. A discourse will take place. Clearly, tomorrow in Cabinet it will come up and we will see where it goes from there.”

Hipolito Novelo

“How long will it take, if it does happen, to amend the law?”

Godwin Hulse

“Amending a law is a matter of calling a House meeting and a Senate meeting and the Governor General signing any amendments.”