Resettling Majid Khan to Belize not the best decision, says NTUCB President

Views have been mixed since the decision by the Government of Belize to accede to a request by the U.S. Government to resettle Majid Khan in Belize. Khan spent more than a decade at Guantanamo Bay after being charged by the U.S. authorities with terrorism-related charges. The president of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Luis Luke Martinez was asked about it and he said that Belize should not have done this, saying this was not the best decision the Briceño administration could make. 

Luis Luke Martinez, President, National Trade Union Congress of Belize: “Khan that’s a very touchy topic and we’re going to discuss Khan at the National Trade Union Congress Executive Meeting this weekend. For right now we don’t think that that is the best decision that was taken. I mean you’re talking about terrorism and terrorism has very long arms right ? And you want to ensure that as a country you keep terrorists and you keep terrorism out of your country. There shouldn’t be any quid pro quo when it comes to terrorism.”

Reporter: So you’re saying that you believe at this point Mr.Khan despite claims that he is reformed may still be a danger to the nation ?

Luis Luke Martinez, President, National Trade Union Congress of Belize: “Any terrorist is a danger. Once you’re a terrorist you’re a terrorist. I am no international relations expert or any reform expert but we know how it goes. You see certain people right here in Belize City are in gangs next thing you know “Bwai me dah noh gang man no more.” and two weeks later the man is dead because he was still in a gang. But them claiming his reformation I don’t know how justifiable that is. The point that we cannot allow this country to be a safe haven for terrorism and for terrorists is a very very important concern and our leaders need to take that very seriously.”