Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow Meets with NTUCB President on National Issues

Despite the turmoil in the United Democratic Party, UDP leader Moses Shyne Barrow is sticking to his word and holding meetings with various organizations to further the work of the opposition. Yesterday Barrow held a meeting in Belmopan with the president of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Luke Martinez. Barrow says that the meeting focused on national issues including the government’s six-point-nine-million-dollar land purchase for the tertiary hospital in Belmopan. Martinez says that holding such meetings is part of the work of the NTUCB as it continues to demand accountability from the Government of Belize.

Luke Martinez, President, NTUCB: “We had an informal conversation about basically the assessment of where we are as a country in terms of holding the government responsible to our good governance commitment. And of course, us reminding the Opposition, well me reminding the Opposition of their responsibility as the recognize the Opposition in this country, that they also have a responsibility. So as social partners and key stakeholders these types of conversations are important.”
Martinez also weighed in on the ongoing infighting within the UDP and said that the power struggle for leadership is distracting from national issues.

Luke Martinez, President, NTUCB: “For me, the bigger conversation has to happen around the table with the executives of the National Trade Union Congress as well as with other stakeholders because for too long we have Opposition who are not doing what they’re supposed to do. Say for example they seem to be focused on who is going to lead their party instead of focusing on putting a lot of focus and emphasis on the national issues, right? Then this then falls on the shoulders of the National Trade Union Congress and with our limited resources we continue to push for our good governance agenda and to hold our leaders accountable. It’s unfortunate though, Benjamin, that when we are doing our job and ensuring to push the key stakeholders to participate some people would want to misinterpret what are our roles.”

Both the opposition and the NTUCB have pledged to continue working with other social partners to address issues of national concern.