P.S.U. Meets with PM Barrow to Save Hilltop Property
A meeting with Prime Minister Dean Barrow for his intercession in a land transaction which threatens to leave the Public Service Union without a roof over its head is perhaps a last resort in an attempt to save the labor organization’s headquarters. Since it was revealed on November twelfth that the Hilltop property had been sold by the Belmopan City Council to Chinese businessman Xin Ni a month earlier, the P.S.U. has sat down with its membership to chart a way forward. That course of action has led to a discussion with PM Barrow who is also the substantive minister of the Public Service. The meeting lasted for roughly and hour and a half, after which President Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer, flanked by executives of the P.S.U., provided the media with an update.
Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer
Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer, President, Public Service Union
“This is the negotiation team that was assigned to meet with the PM this morning in order for us to address the sale of our Hilltop. To give an update, the meeting was a productive one and we have found means and ways how to move forward as it relates to the sale and see how best we can get back our Hilltop. So an update as it relates to whether we are getting back Hilltop, it’s one that we’re going to need to do some more discussions and negotiations and share what had taken place today with membership.”
Isani Cayetano
“What was the prime minister’s position in terms of either the points that were raised or the position that you guys took in the discussion?”
Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer
“Well the position that we took was one whereby, we were just sharing the information as it relates to the negotiation that was ongoing with the city council. And so that we were able to share with PM for him to understand the direction that we wanted to take.”
Isani Cayetano
“Has there been any investigation on your part, as the P.S.U., to determine how the Chinese businessman got a hold of an address belonging to a member of the union?”
Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer
“Well yes, the P.S.U. had put together a research team and they still continue the research as it relates to everything surrounding the individual who bought the property, as well as the legality aspect of the finances being transferred, the parcel of land the individual had indicated on such documents.”
Reporter
“Are you still adamant that you will not be removed from the Hilltop?”
Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer
“Yes, and we stand firm, like what our members had mandated us that we are not going to be moved under no circumstances as such.”
Reporter
“So there is no, absolutely no possibility that the P.S.U. and its membership would consider receiving another parcel of land?”
Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer
“No. That’s a big no.”
