Opposition Leader Displeased with Prime Minister’s Appointment of Foreign Judges, Cites Lack of Consultation

Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow has written to the Prime Minister expressing discontent on appointing two new foreign judges to the High Court. Today, Barrow fired off a letter, chastising the Prime Minister for not properly consulting the opposition, as is required in the constitution. Barrow believes that the letter he received from the Cabinet Secretary was not sufficient, and less than diplomatic. Barrow’s main point of contention, however, is the absence of a Belizean in the judges’ benches.  

Barrow also took aim, at what he says, is the government’s nonchalant response to his many requests for greater consultation. 

In his letter, Barrow wrote, in part, quote, “There is much outrage in the legal community over the last 3 years beginning with then Acting Chief Justice Michelle Arana being overlooked to become CJ in favor of a foreigner. Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts also overlooked in favor of a foreigner for Chief Magistrate. The matter of inequitable treatment of Belizean Jurists is underpinned with examples such as former Justice Shoman who was underpaid and given no tenure having to reapply every year or two in comparison to all the foreign appointed Justices whose pay scale has increased and tenure secured.”  End of quote./