Former PCC Commissioners Speak Out: “This Isn’t What We Agreed To”

A group of former commissioners from the People’s Constitution Commission is speaking out and they’re not happy with the final draft of the report that was handed over to Prime Minister John Briceño. In a strongly worded letter to the PM, the group laid out a list of serious concerns. They say they’ve raised these issues before with P.C.C. Chairman Anthony Chanona, but feel they were ignored. Among their complaints: poor handling of the process, questionable record-keeping, and what they call a misuse of the “consensus principle”—something they argue isn’t even part of the law. The group also claims that not all commissioners were given access to the full report, and that the final document doesn’t reflect a thorough or fair analysis. In fact, they say many commissioners never even approved it. The letter was signed by eight former commissioners representing unions, women’s rights advocates, and LGBT organizations. But not everyone agrees. Former media commissioner Louis Wade pushed back, saying the signatories weren’t part of the Technical Thematic Committees—the groups that actually shaped the report. In a written response, Wade said, (quote), While I do not support all the recommendations, the ones submitted reflect the voices of the Belizean people, based on the national consultations. I believe the process followed the law and was approved by vote, (end quote). The former commissioners are now asking for a sit-down with Prime Minister Briceño before the end of the month to explain their objections in more detail.