N.T.U.C.B. President Calls for Action From G.O.B.

Also addressing the audience at today’s N.T.U.C.B. book launch was president of the trade union, Luke Martinez. In his remarks, Martinez raised three issues that he says requires urgent attention from the Government of Belize. He called G.O.B. to action on the appointment of a Labor Commissioner, an Ombudsman, and on the need for a meeting of the tripartite body.

Luke Martinez

Luke Martinez, President, N.T.U.C.B.

“We believe that these three issues needs to be addressed rapidly by the Government of Belize. There has been no Labor Commissioner for over I think three months. It shouldn’t be one day. One day shouldn’t pass without us having a Labor Commissioner. Yes, we understand that the government has published vacancy for the public, three months that is unacceptable. So, we call upon the Government of Belize to ensure we have that very important post filled. We also want to make a highlight that since March there has not been any tripartite body meeting. So, we again implore on the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Labor to have that arm up and running. We continue to highlight the importance that there is no Ombudsman and we all know that the Ombudsman is the poor man’s attorney right here in most of their jurisdiction and constituency. I want to quickly close on what Bob would have said to us if he were here, emancipate yourself from mental slavery because none but ourselves can free our minds. Have no fear for atomic energy cause none of them can stop the time.”