Another employee of the British High Commission resigned yesterday. As we reported on Thursday about 10 employees have resigned since British High Commissioner Peter Hughes arrived in late 2013. When we spoke to 4 of the former employees on Thursday, they told us that they left because they were repeatedly bullied and verbally abused by Hughes at the workplace. Well, yesterday another employee joined the group and sent in her resignation letter. One of her co-workers told us today that he would see her coming down the stairs from Hughes' office crying on several occasions. We contacted the Deputy High Commissioner Grace Chun today to ask if there is any active investigation into these reports but she had no comment.
So while things are at a 'standstill' at the British High, things are stirring up at the private residence of the US Deputy Head of Mission, Bruce Matthews. Turns out there are similar reports of bullying and abuse coming from the private residence. Two Belizeans employed as household staff allege forced labour and employee abuse in the Deputy's household. This includes telling one worker that she was too fat for a uniform, making them work without overtime or a lunch break, with-holding pay and work contracts among other complaints. The women alleged 
that hundreds of hours of overtime have been withheld. The public relations officer Emilia Adams told us via email that she is aware of the allegations. Her statement says, quote, "We are looking into the matter and cannot comment further on specifics at this time, as we are in the process of reviewing the facts. We take these allegations seriously. The U.S. government expects its employees to abide by local labor laws and to respect the rights and dignity of workers".
According to credible reports, the embassy has launched an investigation and a complaint may be forwarded to the US Attorney.
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