Port of Belize files request for injunction to prevent Government paying $1.5 million to stevedores

Published by BBNTEAM at February 23, 2022

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Posted: Wednesday, February 23, 2022. 9:03 am CST.

By Aaron Humes: The Port of Belize Limited has apparently moved to stop the Government of Belize from paying $1.5 million to stevedores in consideration for any prejudices they may have suffered due to the 2002 privatization of the Belize City port. The payment was to be made on or before February 28, just a few days away.

The Port in receivership and receiver Arturo Vasquez is claiming against Prime Minister John Briceño; Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat; the Attorney General and the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) to declare the agreement illegal and unenforceable, according to Channel 5 News.

According to the claimants, the Government’s memorandum of understanding and agreement with the Union was carried through without any law enacted by the National Assembly authorizing such payment from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and thus represents an “irrational and arbitrary exercise of power in breach of the claimant’s right to equal protection of the law”.

The Port is presently suing the CWU; its President Evan “Mose” Hyde; and four stevedores for leading the shutdown of activities on the waterfront for eight days at the end of January. It claims special damages of more than 1 million dollars and general damages for loss of business.

According to our colleagues at KREM News, it is not known whether the Port and CWU, under the terms of the Government MOU have met as asked for by no later than February 7 “to discuss and make all reasonable efforts to settle upon the hours Stevedores will be required to work to enable the unloading of ships to be done on a continuous basis within the next 30 days.” The document does note that the settlement of hours can “only be agreed if Port of Belize Limited engages in meaningful dialogue, negotiation and resolution with the CWU within the said 30-day period…”

The Union has said that it has to consult its attorney before making any comment, KREM reports.

We will continue to follow developments.

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