NTUCB Criticizes Government’s Lack of Transparency on Stake Bank Land Acquisition

In related news: the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has expressed disappointment with what it says is the government’s lack of response to its inquiries about the Stake Bank land acquisition. The NTUCB says it rejects the Prime Minister’s explanation and suggests it is a veiled attempt by the government to avoid answering questions. The union says it believes the government prefers it brings a judicial review case or join the existing litigation to get the answers it seeks. The union also criticized the government’s reliance on a press release issued in August 2024, claiming that simply repeating assertions does not make them true. The union further slammed the government’s handling of land acquisitions, noting that in the first half of 2024 alone, there were at least seven compulsory acquisitions published without sufficient public consultation or reporting on the outcomes. As a result, the NTUCB says it plans to submit a proposed Bill to amend or replace existing land acquisition laws in Belize to advocate for greater transparency and public accountability in the process.