G.G. Has Up to Thirty Days to Declare Writ of Referendum

While the titular head of state is yet to issue a writ of referendum, the church is wasting no time galvanizing its flock ahead of the national vote.  Pastor Louis Wade is the spokesperson for the Belize Coalition of Churches.  This afternoon, he spoke with fellow reporters about the actions being taken by the religious community to inform its followers.  When asked if the delay in issuing the order to hold the referendum is affecting the Belize fourth deadline, Pastor Wade told us that the government and the churches are in dialogue on the matter, notwithstanding the fact that there is an existing thirty-day period during which the writ can be declared.

Louis Wade

Pastor Louis Wade, Belize Coalition of Churches

“The church knows exactly what it is doing.  It is very strong, it is very united, its position has been made very clear to the government and to the people.  We believe that it was the government that was pushing forward or at least parts of the government they’re saying that were pushing forward in spite of the red lights and it’s just now that we’ve come close and then the red lights deh eena yoh face.  And so there is great dialogue and we look forward to a kind of consensus that will be best for the people of Belize in every way. I’m a little unclear sir, about whether these talks that’s happening between the government and the churches are affecting the deadline that the Governor General has to meet.  She has thirty days No law has been broken and the government certainly doesn’t want to break any law and the church is not going to stand and allow any laws to be broken.  But I think that dialogue is always good and I have said before and I continue to say that I believe in the open market place of ideas, that people with different opinions and ideas must be able to come around the table and find a way forward.  And so, the meetings are in progress,  I think Belizeans should pray and talk about the issue and ensure that what comes out of it is good for the nation of Belize..”

Reporter

“The Governor General’s decision to officially set that date is dependent on how these negotiations…”

Louis Wade

“I don’t know.  I can’t answer to that at this present time.”

Reporter

“So if the thing proceeds as normal, would the churches then be involved in terms of the wording of that question on the ballot?”

Louis Wade

“No.  The wording of the question is set because it is the question that’s taken to the people for the petition.  So, if the government or any entity wants to reword the question, that is a different referendum than the one that was triggered.”