NTUCB Calls on GOB to “Do Better”  

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) wrote to Prime Minister John Briceño today, expressing disappointment with his response to their September 23rd letter. According to the NTUCB, the PM’s reply was essentially a non-response. In their latest letter, the NTUCB urged the Government to, “do better – to make sound decisions in the name of the people of Belize”.  The umbrella organization also mentioned its plan to submit a bill for the government’s consideration, aiming to amend or replace the Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Act and the Land Acquisition (Promoters) Act. The NTUCB argues that the current approach to acquisitions leaves the public in the dark, with little to no information. It contends that the government fails to evaluate and report on the outcomes of these acquisitions, the actual benefits, who ultimately benefits, and the costs to taxpayers.  Last week, NTUCB President Luke Martinez told reporters that news of MSC’s interest in Stake Bank supports the union’s claim that the compulsory acquisition is not in the public’s interest. Today, we asked Smith for his client’s take on MSC’s interest.

 

Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law

“That is why we are in court because the instruction from our client is that he does not believe it is for a legitimate public purpose and for a number of other grounds. So, his position is he intends to challenge that. Without the land being vested to the government it cannot be transferred to MSC, OPSA, Stake Bank or anybody else. So, the outcome of this hearing will determine whether the government can compulsorily acquire Mr. Feinstein’s twenty-three point four acres.”

 

Reporter

“Is your client concerned that there is a plan afoot to sell the project.”

Godfrey Smith

“He clearly is, otherwise, there would not be instructions to take the actions we are currently taking, to challenge that action every step of the way.”

 

Reporter

“Is your client open to a buyout?”

Godfrey Smith

“There are discussions, or let me put it this way, letters have been exchanged.”

 

Reporter

“Is it the view of yourself or your client that this acquisition is an abuse of the compulsory acquisition law?”

 

Godfrey Smith

“Yes, among several arguments that we have, some of which, interestingly were hinted at or indicated in a letter I saw from the NTUCB. They wrote a letter and noted several points in there which we have also raised before the court.”