7 News Belize

Ex-Servicemen Dispute Back Court
posted (February 2, 2015)
The battle for control of the ex-servicemen's league continued in the Supreme Court today before Justice Courtney Abel. The Belize City branch maintains that the national branch has not had proper elections in 8 years - and so they want those elections to be held. But, in the interim the League has to be administered - and the executive members say they need their executive seats restored to get that done. After a quick hearing today in which Justice Abel gave an order restoring normalcy to the organization -w e spoke to the attorney for the Belize City Branch outside the court:..

Naima Barrow, Attorney for City Branch - Ex-Servicemen's League
"What we have sought and secure from the court is an order appointing a receiver for the purpose of conducting elections. Elections have not, to our clients mind, been held properly since over 8 years ago. So, Ms. Tamai as the Chief Elections Officer has been named as the receiver because we think that she is most fit to attend to the election of the league. It is proving difficult to get her to act as we would hope her to act, but she is as she should seeking legal advice as to the proper course of action and it is something that all parties will have to bear patience about, because it's important that it is done right and so that is where we are, waiting for Ms. Tamai to act and what the court has just order is that she act forthwith. Its strong language coming from the court. It means that they need to act quickly and so, as officers of the court, we have to ensure that those orders are perfected and serve and that's what we will be doing."

Jules Vasquez
"What's really at stake here? I know there is the grant. But why is control of this organization so important for your client?"

Naima Barrow, Attorney for City Branch - Ex-Servicemen's League
"Because the proper administration of the league is important to all those veterans and persons affiliated with service to our country. It is where they seek comradery from like-minded persons, to socialize as well as look out for their own and so it must be done properly because as recognized by the statutes that have created a legislation for this purpose. Our veteran are important, our service people are important and that is what this is about - them being properly served."

The ex-servicemen's league pays a monthly grant to veterans or their families.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize