Not long ago, scandals and public discontent would have been enough to bring Belize’s unions into the streets. Their ability to mobilize workers and galvanize public support helped shape some of the country’s most defining political moments. Today, however, amid mounting scrutiny over the Mira Millions affair and the Ministry of Defense procurement controversy, organized labor appears largely absent from the conversation. The contrast has not gone unnoticed. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
There was a time in Belize when public outrage often found its voice through the unions. Workers marched, leaders challenged authority, and organized labor helped push national issues into the streets. That history stretches as far back as 1934, when Antonio Soberanis and the Labor and Unemployed Association stood up to colonial authorities. But today, as the Mira Millions affair and the Ministry of Defense procurement scandal continue to stir public concern, Belize’s unions have been noticeably quiet. So, what happened to that fighting spirit?
Rewind to 2005, when citizens and trade unions protested the national budget which introduced ninety million dollars in new taxes and price hikes on certain items. It all came to a head in mid-April in Belize City with tires burning, clashes with law enforcement, and downtown store looting.
Then came 2016, when the Belize National Teachers’ Union showed just how much pressure a union could apply. After negotiations over promised salary adjustments stalled, teachers left the classroom and took a stand. Their strike lasted eleven days and sent a clear message to the government: organized labor was still a force to be reckoned with.
Luke Palacio
Luke Palacio, President, BNTU (File: Sept 19th, 2016)
“We need to stand up for our country. We are seeing so many issues affecting our country. We need to deal with those matter.”
George Frazer
George Frazer, Former General Secretary, BNTU (File: Sept 19th, 2016)
“I am glad we are seeing the thousands of teachers and other groups. We want to save our country before it goes to ruin.”
Most recently, in 2021, the Joint Unions staged a strike that stretched beyond thirteen days, setting a new record for labor action in Belize. At the time, the government implemented a mandatory ten percent salary cut for public servants and teachers, alongside a three-year increment freeze, to curb ballooning public debt. Those protest actions featured traffic blockades.
Darrell Spencer
Darrell Spencer, President, Nurses Association of Belize (File: April 22nd, 2021)
“We the people need to demand a change in the government, not to change the government. You change monkey and you get black dog. We want the government to change. We don’t want to change the government.”
Despite the Mira Millions affair and the Ministry of Defense scandal, the unions have not organized a march against what appears to be abuse of the government’s procurement system. So, what is holding them back? We put that question directly to the President of the Public Service Union, Dean Flowers.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“My only response is that it’s a reflection of who we are as a society. It seems that we are indifferent to these things that are affecting us. You are right. Every single other union should be in the media, should be speaking out. But more so every citizen should be calling on the radio wave and flooding Facebook with the demand for more accountability where the Mira scandal is concerned. We are doing our part. We have demanded the removal of Oscar Mira from Cabinet, the permanent removal of Oscar Mira from Cabinet.”
Interestingly, Flowers did show up at the opposition’s recent “Stand Up for Belize” rally at Battlefield Park. But he appeared to be the only PSU member in attendance. Union Senator Glenfield Dennison was also there, bringing total union representation at the rally to just two. So, we reached out President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. She told us quote, “I have no comment at this time as the General Council has not met for July”.
And when we reached out to President of the Belize National Teachers Union, Nadia Caliz, she told us that, “Teachers are on holiday and travelling. It is difficult to reach a consensus currently.” Caliz says the union is closely observing the latest development with the scandal and will meet in August to strategize. We also sought comments from the Christian Workers Union. President Leonora Flowers also told News Five that the union must consult its membership.
Tonight the question remains, will the unions come to an agreement that the growing procurement scandal warrants a joint national movement? Or will the labor movement remain radio silent? Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
Watch the full newscast here:
