It has been a few months since the Joint Unions’ Negotiating Teams met with government representatives and there are a few matters under review. One is a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Public Service Union (PSU), the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM). That was signed in May. But there’s a new one on the table, about which discussions will commence shortly. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hydel gave reporters a summary of what was discussed.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“We have a Revenue Enhancement Committee at work. We have a cost savings committee at work. We have a pension reform committee at work – all these committees are working very hard and so we should be getting reports from them pretty soon. We also had a consultancy on the government pay and grade, trying to modernize how that is done. And there is an interim report that’s been provided, circulated to the members and they will have intensive discussion and deliberation on that. Revolutionary stuff is in there.”
Reporter
“What are some of the considerations that will have to be made for a new collective bargaining agreement?”
Cordel Hyde
“Well, we are not there yet. In a matter of months or so, the unions will present to government their plan, their proposal and we will then – government’s side will then look at that and see what’s workable, what can be done in the short term, what will take some time, what’s the sticking points, what are our priorities. So we’ve only just started to kind of like talk through a timeline, talk through how this will be done. In terms of the meat of it, we’re not there yet, where the unions will work in earnest over the next eight weeks to come up with, those points and then we will deal with it from there.”
Another issue that the JUNT is looking at is how the government can cut its costs and enhance its revenues. In May, three aspects were worked on, including the re-establishment of the Cost Savings Committee, the Revenue Enhancement Committee, and the Pensions Working Committee. Today, the committee reported back to the joint unions and the government on where they are with the recommendations that were previously made. Public Union President, Dean Flowers updated us.
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“In late September, early October, we should receive reports. interim reports from those committees and hopefully then, moving into the end of the year and into the new fiscal year, we can see implementation of some of those recommendations as well as hopefully new recommendations that will see us become a more efficient public service as well as efficient in our revenue conduction. The adjustment in the pay scale, of course, is always a conversation. I think that it is no secret that the joint unions have written to the government of Belize to say that it is time for us to look at the entire salary restructuring exercise. I believe it was about two weeks ago, a consultant funded by the IDB came to look at the current pay scale, to look at where we are, there were stakeholders’ consultation, and there is a preliminary report that has been sent to the government, which they are currently reviewing. We’re hoping we’ll get a chance to review that as well to see how we can not necessarily revise, but I would say do away with what clearly is an outdated compensation scheme with 20 pay scales that has been in existence for so long. It does not align with the current trend in developing and developing countries and where the compensation package is concerned. Too many anomalies exist and too much discretionary power also exists in every aspect from hiring to what ultimately that compensation package will be. And so, that exercise is tied to the pension reform.”
Today, another subcommittee was formed to look at the retirement of public officers from the service. The Minister of the Public Service, Henry Usher says this will look at improving the efficiency with which public officers receive their retirement benefits. In addition, he said that the classification of the grading of public service positions is being investigated.
Henry Usher, Minister of the Public Service
“Quite often in the media, we’ve heard about persons not getting their gratuity or their pension to time, and we’ve been putting a lot of effort on that, but we wanted to more focus on that to make sure that when public officers retire, that they can get their benefits more efficiently. So, those are some of the areas we discussed today. We also looked at a recent review that was done. By a consultant that was brought in by the IDB to look at the modernization and the classification the grading of our public service positions and I think that is very important we shared that report with the union and I’m sure that we will have a further discussion on that at the next meeting.”
Today, the Belize Hotel Association hosted its second annual allied trade show. This event is an opportunity for members of the association to come together to network and share information about the goods and services they offer, as well as promotions for members and non-members alike. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the Caribbean Motors showroom for more information. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Belize is eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety-six square miles, but across the tiny country, there are approximately eight-hundred and thirty-two hotels and accommodations. Of that number, only seven percent, or sixty-one of those hotels belong to the BHA. Today, the association hosted its second annual trade show to bring these members together. Membership and Services Coordinator Keisha Reyes, provides more details.
“We have thirty-eight of our members, they are all businesses here in Belize and we have one of our allied international who is also here. And the main focus for this trade show is to have them network with themselves as well as other persons from outside the association. So they have some booths, they have information, some have goods, some have services. They’re all here on display for everyone to take advantage of.”
The Belize Hotel Association is a non-profit organization that works to sustainably grow the tourism industry in the country. Aside from the hotels, there are sixty other businesses that make up the membership. Christine Tun, of Belize Commercial Laundry and Linen, says that the company has been a member for three years and the show allows them to introduce the towels and linens that they offer to the hotel industry.
Christine Tun
Christine Tun, Belize Commercial Laundry and Linen
“We’ve been a member of this association for about three years. And the trade show is a great opportunity for members and non-members alike and all those in the hotel industry to know about our services, which is providing commercial laundry services to hotels, resorts, vacation hotels, Airbnbs. We’re able to make life really easy and simplified by not having to worry about that. We take the load of laundry off of you.”
Another business that contributes to the tourism industry is the T-Shirt Factory Belize. As September Celebrations are underway, the company is here to showcase a variety of products offered to Belizeans and tourists. Manager and designer Ritisha Hohenkirk says that they could not miss the opportunity to participate.
Ritisha Hohenkirk
Ritisha Hohenkirk, Manger, T-shirt Factory Belize
“We are a part of BHA. We’re very heavily involved with the tourism sector. We do a lot of gift shop items, t-shirts as well souvenir stuff. We did actually decide it would be a great opportunity for us to come out here. We thought that we can get our brand out more.,I mean people do know T-Shirt Factory, but, some people might not be aware. And also, people can’t mak it to the store, so we brought the store to them.”
It is Hohenkirk’s first year participating in the trade show, but she is already seeing the benefits of her participation.
Ritisha Hohenkirk
“And I feel like there are some, I like members here that probably didn’t know about tshirt before and so know us being here, they can introduce themselves, we can introduce ourselves as well and create a connection.”
Celia Humes and her family are among the first visitors to stop by. Humes says that she’s glad they made the trip.
Britney Gordon
“What made you come down and decide to see what’s going on at the show today?”
Cecilia Humes
Cecilia Humes, Customer
“Well I got an invite from Belize Hotel Association.”
Britney Gordon
“And are you usually interested in things like this? How has it met your expectations so far? Are you satisfied with what you’re seeing?”
Cecilia Humes
“It’s been great so far. There’s a lot really interesting things and I’m going to…”
Britney Gordon
“Make use of them?”
Cecila Humes
“Yes, make use of them.”
Britney Gordon
“Is this your first time attending the show?”
Cecila Humes
“Yes, this is my first time.”
In only two years the event has grown significantly, a trend that the Belize Hotel Association believes will continue.
Keisha Reyes
“It will be just as worth it because last year we have a lot of our members say to us that, we got some great connections, we were able to connect with members and non-members that they, weren’t expecting to be connected with. So this year they asked us to do it a little bigger, so of course we came to a bigger venue. And of course, they’re here, everything that they could take advantage of, whether you’re a business or not, you can come. So the feedback last year compared to this year, I believe it will be even better.”
It’s day four for the staff at the Sunny Side Bakery at its new location and business is just as plentiful as ever. The family-owned bakery has been in the process of relocating for several years and finally, during the week of the death anniversary of late owner Elon Pitterson, the new bakery is here. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited the bakery today to hear how the family is keeping that same great taste and quality after nearly seventy years of service.
Britney Gordon
“You made the trip all the way here today to get something even though the old location is near your house. So why did you come all the way here to get them?”
Ashly Cole
Ashly Cole, Customer
“Because Sunny and Tan is the best and always been the best from ever since from I was a little boy. And I was born in what, 1958 and I start go to Sunny from I was about five years old.”
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Customers are waiting to enter Sunny Side Bakery in Belize City, also known as the famous Sunny and Tan Bakery. It’s only been four days since the bakery opened the doors of its new location, and already, the loyal customers are back and for good reason. The Sunny Side Bakery is one of Belize’s oldest and most beloved bakeries in the old capital. Zebedee Pitterson started the business in 1959, and today, his granddaughters Elony and Christiana Pitterson are carrying on his legacy.
Elony Pitterson
Elony Pitterson, Manager, Sunny Side Bakery
“This family business is very important to me because from when my grandfather had it was, he was doing really great and it was something for me and my sister to look up to. So that’s why both of us wanted to continue the bakery.”
Britney Gordon
“So growing up in a baking family, do you feel that influenced your love for the craft of baking? Is it something that you take pride in doing?”
Elony Pitterson
“Yes, it is something that I take pride in doing because ever since I was about eight years old I have always been in the bakery with my dad doing pastries after school learning to make pastries, so it’s something that I really love.”
The bakery offers a variety of pastries such as cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and cakes, but it is the Sunny and Tan bread and buns that Belizeans cannot get enough of. Norman Melton, a customer that has been coming to the bakery since he was a child says that he just can’t get bread like this anywhere else.
Norman Melton
Norman Melton, Customer
“Well, I used to go there because they got the best bread, you know, and Sunny and Tan bread is nicer than everybody else bread. So we want the best all the time for our money. We don’t want bread that we buy it today, tomorrow it done look spoil, jun de pon you know. But for them bread could last you three, four days before it gets spoiled or hard.”
Elon Petterson, the son of Zebedee Pitterson, was at the forefront of thebusiness for decades. It was his dream to take the bakery to a new location so he designed the new store himself. However, Elon died of a heart attack in 2021, so it was up to his wife and children to make his dreams a reality. Christiana Pitterson tells us that it is a bittersweet feeling to see her father’s dreams accomplished without him.
Christiana Pitterson
Christiana Pitterson, Manager, Sunny Side Bakery
“It was his dream. He wanted to relocate the bakery. So when suddenly my dad passed away while he was renovating it. So this was mostly like a shell, but we had the design and the idea of what he wanted. And so now we’re here in this beautiful bakery and making his dream come to life. We’re very excited that we we’ve opened up the bakery. This is our fourth day opening and we have an amazing customer base who love the building, love the location, even our products, so we’re very grateful for them again. lastly too, I want to say thank God for giving us health and strength for us to continue this legacy as well.”
Sunny Side Bakery, at its core, remains a family business. And it is the love that each member has for the craft and for their customers that keeps people coming back for years to come.
Britney Gordon
“How long have you been going to the other location?”
Rupert Robinson
Rupert Robinson, Former Employee
“Oh, man, many, many. I used to work for mister Pitterson himself, the boss.”
Britney Gordon
“And what was that experience like for you? How was he as a person?”
Rupert Robinson
“He was a very good guy. Good gentleman. He had his wife. He had his two sons and he had a daughter and I usually was a good boss to me in the 1990s.”
Britney Gordon
“And so you feel good to come out and support the family that’s trying to continue his legacy?”
Rupert Robinson
“Well, I know that the family was torn apart by death of the father and one of the son so I’m trying to support them.”
Pitterson says that despite the change in location, business has been booming just as much as ever and she is grateful for the people that continue to enjoy the food after so many years.
Britney Gordon
“Do you feel that the customers have really been turning up to your doors now that you’ve moved here? Or have you noticed like maybe a dip as people get used to the new location?”
Christiana Petterson
“No, there’s been a great increase in customers. It has been amazing. So again, we’re very grateful for it.”
On Thursday, the Rural Transformation Department inaugurated the new Tower Hill Village Rudimentary Water System. The department also distributed water meters valued at over $30,000 to ensure “efficient monitoring and distribution for the benefit of the community.”
The ceremony highlighted the transition from the Carmelita Village system to an independent setup, a move expected to enhance water access and reliability. The department expressed gratitude to UNICEF for their support and to Orange Walk East Area Representative Kevin Bernard for his contributions to the project.
Through the same initiative, the Ministry provided 4” PVC pipes worth over $17,000 to the San Felipe Village Water Board in the Orange Walk District, furthering their commitment to improving local water infrastructure.
As part of UNICEF’s effort to upgrade the rudimentary water systems in twenty villages in southern Belize, the WASH Improvement Programme was implemented, making notable progress in Machakilha village in southern Belize. A newly installed 200-foot well now pumps 120 gallons per minute, an 800% increase, and solar-powered systems have improved water access. This upgrade aims to address the village’s long-standing water scarcity issues, benefiting families that previously had to travel half a mile daily for water.
News Five has confirmed with Minister Francis Fonseca, Chair of the Belize National Celebrations Commission, that the Carnival Road March in Belize City will proceed. Minister Fonseca told News Five that, “Based on the expert advice of the Chief Met Officer, the Carnival Association, in consultation with the NCC, will proceed with the Carnival as scheduled.”
Fonseca added, “If there is any change in that position by the Carnival Association, the public will be informed.”
As for classes today, Fonseca said “the Ministry of Education has not cancelled any,” adding that “Parents and students are advised to stay tuned to notices from their schools, as some individual schools have cancelled classes due to flooding.”
