C.W.U. Says G.O.B. Failed to Consult Ahead of P.B.L. Board Appointments

This afternoon, the Christian Workers Union held a press conference in the wake of last week’s decision by the Briceño administration that it is taking back the Port of Belize from private control.  The labor organization welcomes the decision by government to nationalize the port once again, however, there are a number of concerns that C.W.U. has brought to the table, including the appointment of Elena Smith as the union representative on the newly formed board of directors.  Like the business community, the C.W.U. says it was never consulted ahead of the prime minister’s decision to appoint Smith, a lifelong unionist.

Leonora Flowers

Leonora Flowers, President, Christian Workers Union

“Today, there’s another press release that came out that said members have been put on board.  Now we want to stick a pin and say interim board.  We would like for the prime minister to inform us, CWU, what are their terms, what is the responsibility, the role and how long they will be in place because CWU has not gotten an opportunity to put anyone on that board.  The unions did not choose.  The unions did not choose a representative.”

Isani Cayetano

“If I am not mistaken, if I can interject quickly, I note that Senator Elena Smith has been placed on the interim board as well, and you will correct me if I am wrong, she has been a lifelong trade unionist.”

Leonora Flowers

“She has been placed there.  That placement there may be strategic, we don’t know.  As CWU, whenever we go to put people on boards there is a voting.  There has been no voting because we are a member, we are a part, we are an affiliate of the NTUCB and there has been no voting to nominate nor elect, nor select Sister Elena.  All due respect to her, she has long been member of, and a very good member when it comes to representation, but the process is the process.  There has been no election and no nomination.”