Controversy erupts over proposed Thirteenth Amendment: Labour Senator warns of ‘unconstitutionality’

Published by BBNTEAM at June 20, 2025

Posted: Friday, June 20, 2025. 11:39 am CST.

By Aaron Humes: Senator for Trade Unions and Civil Society, Glenfield Dennison, hates to say “I told you so.”

But as he pointed out at Thursday’s all-union press conference, he had warned years ago that the imposition of a State of Emergency to curb gang warfare would result in damages paid by taxpayers because of “unconstitutional” provisions being improperly used.

Using a variation of German cleric Martin Niemoller’s ‘First They Came’ confession, Senator Dennison argued that the Government has stepped up its attacks on perceived opponents; first gang members, then journalists, now trade unionists.

But Prime Minister John Briceño’s Thirteenth Amendment Bill, a legislative proposal aimed at redefining the rules governing states of emergency (SOEs) in the country, takes things even further. On the surface, the amendment seeks to tighten regulations surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency in an effort to combat crime. However, its timing is raising eyebrows, particularly as it follows a High Court ruling deeming a 2020 state of emergency unlawful. Critics argue that the government is attempting to sidestep legal accountability in the wake of the court’s decision.

Dennison stated, “One teacher taught me in primary school that when you lose in the High Court, you go to a Court of Appeal and then to a CCJ. They didn’t teach me that when you lose the High Court, you change the Constitution to suit you…” He emphasized that the government’s proposal reflects an admission of failure, suggesting that the administration recognizes that appealing the High Court’s ruling would be unlikely to succeed. (At the introduction of the Bill the Prime Minister pointed out that such an appeal would take months to hear, but that the situation was too urgent to let fester.)

Dennison further argued that the proposal to amend the constitution raises serious legal and ethical concerns. “This is a slippery slope. Today, they seek to change the law to validate the SOE action. What will this mean for the rule of law in Belize?” he questioned. He also warned that without evidence to support their claims, the government is attempting to circumvent established legal processes, which could have long-term implications for citizens’ rights.

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