Members Address Union Reaction to Budget

Francis Fonseca

While the unions were at the foot of the National Assembly building protesting, inside the House a couple members were calling for the voice of reason to prevail. Member for Freetown Francis Fonseca noted that discussions between the unions and G.O.B. have been all encompassing, and that every piece of information requested by the unions has been provided.  Honorable Fonseca stated that the Briceño administration is seeking unity and not confrontation with the unions.  Member for Belize Rural Central Dolores Balderamos Garcia expressed that we are all in this boat together, and that now is not the time for grand standing.  Garcia called on the President of the Belize National Teachers Union, Elena Smith, to show real leadership.

Francis Fonseca, Area Rep., Freetown Division

“Since February tenth, I have been a part of the government’s team consulting with the unions. We have had extensive frank good faith discussions with the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Belize National Teachers Union, the Public Service Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers. The objective was to meet and consult these unions on the matter of the budget for fiscal year 2021/2022 and to present to them a fiscal and economic performance review for fiscal year 2020/2021 and to seek their support and recommendation for a home-grown economic recovery program to meet the existing financing gap in the budget. Madam Speaker, it is important for the Belizean people to know as well that our consultations with the unions have been all encompassing. We have discussed revenue enhancement, debt restricting, capital projects, goods and services and yes wage adjustments. We have provided the Unions with every piece of information requested. And we have provided them with specific commitments in writing which we are prepared to make as a Government. We do not seek confirmation, Madam Speaker. We seek unity. We seek common purpose. We seek resolution. We seek a way forward together out of this Belize’s darkest economic hour.”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Area Rep., Belize Rural Central

“Let me implore that the voices of reason in this country must prevail. Many people all of a sudden, they found their tongue. But I am asking, I am imploring, please find your ears to hear, to listen and to comprehend that we are all in this boat together. And we don’t want this boat to go into the reef. We want the boat to sail. We want the boat to move along into a bright future for our beloved country. I ask the president of the B.N.T.U. and other union leaders to show the leadership. Get your COVID vaccine man, and lady. Get your COVID vaccine. Let us have real leadership. This is not time for grand standing in this country. It is difficult times, but we have to show leadership. In wherever we are, let us show leadership.”