NTUCB Calls for Accountability on Stake Bank Land Acquisition

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) says it is ‘disappointed’ with the “Government’s effective non-response” about the acquisition of the 24-acre extension of Stake Bank Island. According to NTUCB, in a letter dated September 23, 2024, the Prime Minister cited an ongoing court case involving Michael Feinstein as the reason for not providing answers.

The NTUCB said, “It is the opinion of the NTUCB that this is simply an indirect way of saying, “I don’t want to answer you.”

“Perhaps the Government prefers the NTUCB to bring a judicial review case against the Government or join the ongoing litigation to get the answers it seeks on an issue of public concern.”

The NTUCB criticised the government’s claim that the acquisition being necessary to “rescue” a private project contradicts public interest.

In response, the NTUCB plans to propose a Bill to amend the Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Act and the Land Acquisition (Promoters) Act for future acquisitions. The Umbrella Union stated that it plans to submit their proposals to the Government in the New Year.