May 6, 2021 John Briceño Prime Minster John Briceño also spoke out today, courtesy of the Government Press Office, on the ongoing negotiations between the unions and G.O.B. representatives. PM Briceño, who is not in the negotiation room with the unions, says he does get updates on what transpires in those meetings. He expressed disappointment with what he deems to be “wavering commitments” from the unions. He also spoke about the government’s responsibility to ensure that the country continues to function during strike actions.
Prime Minister John Briceño “What I find quite pleasing is that the meetings are quite cordial, they are very respectful. Everybody they are putting out their different perspectives as to what it is they wish. Our disappointment is that when we finish the meetings we feel we have an agreement, but whenever they go to the membership, or at least the groups that participates in the meeting, are probably the want that are more worked up and not wanting to settle for what they have been asking and we have been giving to. So that part is disappointing. But as I’ve said, we do respect the unions; we do support their right to work. But at the same time as the government we have a responsibility to the rest of the nation to ensure that the country continues to work, that the schools are working, that here can be teachers teaching our children, that the hospitals are working, that there are doctors and nurses available. These are services that are critical to the development of the country any country. We have not only a legal but a moral responsibility to ensure we continue to offer these services to the Belizean people.”