Chamber Takes No Side on the I.C.J. Referendum

The pros and cons of taking the territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala to the I.C.J. are being discussed at the Chamber of Commerce.  Ahead of the 2019 referendum, the B.C.C.I. has embarked upon its own education campaign to enlighten its membership on the importance of their vote.  While the business community will not be taking a singular position on the matter, its members are being encouraged to vote individually.  The Chamber has hosted several discussions where presenters, including historian Assad Shoman, have spoken on the claim, as well as the need for eligible voters to visit the polls on April tenth, 2019.

Nikita Usher

Nikita Usher, President, Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“I.C.J. is a matter is a matter that we feel ought to be personal and the Chamber has not put together any formal position as a Chamber group; however, what we have done, my last board had mandated the EC to educate Belize as far as the I.C.J. is concerned.  We have done two of that so far, we’ve done one with Dr. Assad Shoman and we had our members present to witness what Doctor Assad was advising on.  We’ve also had a membership grouping with the no side of the I.C.J., where we had Mr. Paul Morgan presented a no position to the I.C.J.  So we’re not taking any position as such, we’re trying to make it known to all.  There’s a third session with our grouping where we’ll have more like a panel discussion with yes and no and several other panelists to be able to take part in that session.  So that has been the Chamber’s position.  Our role is to try and educate our membership and as far as Belize on a whole, but we will not take a collective position as a group, more so on an individual basis when you go to the polls.”